GP retention strategy greeted with derision.(employment of older physicians)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Long-serving GPs have criticised the government's strategy for improving retention of those nearing retirement.

Health minister John Hutton released details of the package for GPs in England (see box) at the BMA registrars' conference in Stratford-upon-Avon last week (GP, 18 July).

This included details of how the golden goodbye initiative, first revealed in March 2001, would work.

Under the scheme, which began this month, GPs will be paid an extra pounds 2,000 for every year they work between the ages of 60 and 65. It is expected to benefit 1,300 GPs this year.

Until now it was unclear whether GPs would have to work for the full five years …