THE number of GPs in West Yorkshire has fallen by 415 since 2015 despite rise in demand, TUC analysis shows.

The TUC says that in 2015 the Conservative government pledged to recruit 5,000 more GPs by 2020 but since then the number of doctors at GP surgeries across England has fallen by nearly 1,000 while patient demand has increased.

Doctors’ leaders say the average number of patients GPs should have on their list is 1,600 in order to provide a high-quality service.

But in September this year the average number of patients per GP in Yorkshire and the Humber was 2,100.

The TUC says its analysis shows Bradford City is 43 GPs short, Bradford Districts is 34 GPs short, Airedale, Wharfdale, Craven is two GPs short, North Kirklees is 46 GPs short and Calderdale is 50 GPs short.

With demand on GP surgeries increasing, unions say an additional 9,000 doctors – around 900 in Yorkshire and the Humber, and 415 in West Yorkshire – are needed to run services at the right level.

The average wait for a routine GP appointment is now more than two weeks.

TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams said: “The Conservatives promised a big increase in GP numbers. But on their watch the number of doctors has fallen while demand has increased.

“Our hardworking and overstretched GPs are working tirelessly to help patients. But there are simply not enough of them to keep up with demand.

“As a result waiting times are increasing and patients are not getting the treatments they need on time. And family doctors are stressed and overwhelmed.

“The next government must put working families first, invest in our NHS and boost GP numbers.”