“The GPs drown in the work”, these are not only the words of general practitioner Karin Campens, but of many doctors and employees. “It is currently too busy. That is not just for us, we are not alone. We have asked around other colleagues everywhere there is the same demand for extra support and help,” from Karin Campens her concern.
Highest question on the coast
Around 120 GPs are present at the Jobbeurs, all with the same goal: to find that extra help. That is also the case for circle coordinator Alice Traen: “We are looking for, among other things, nurses who can take on tasks from doctors or offer support in practice. Everywhere in West Flanders there are more GPs welcome, but the need is highest on the coast.
The biggest reason for the dire shortage? The low intake of graduated doctors and nurses. At the Jobbeurs it appears that what GPs are looking for rejuvenation. In our province, 20% are older than 65 years. The RIZIV also reports that 1,034 general practitioners are currently active in West Flanders. Converted, that amounts to 1,186 West Flemish people per general practitioner.