The Dutch family doctors association LHV says its members are becoming overloaded with extra work as part of government efforts to shift treatment from hospitals to GPs.

Family doctors carry out many hospital services for lower rates and the government is keen to see this continue. In addition, GPs are playing a bigger role in helping the elderly remain in their own homes.

However, the LHV says in order to cope, doctors will need to see fewer patients. At the moment, the average practice has 2,200 patients but this must be cut to 1,800, the LHV says.

‘We want research carried out into what will be needed in terms of doctors, specialists and buildings in the mid-term,’ spokeswoman Ella Kalsbeek told Radio 1 news. ‘There is not a shortage of family doctors at the moment, but we might need more in the future.’