The Luton Future GP Leaders Scheme warns that the NHS will fail to perform unless more GPs are recruited, supported and trained as the ‘future cadre of clinical leaders’.

Luton, as an area with limited health resources, is at high risk of becoming unsustainable. That is where the GP Leaders initiative comes in.

The scheme, which aims to provide a secure supply of skilled GPs, is split into three main elements: clinical experience, leadership experience and time for postgraduate study.

The latter two, which work alongside employment in a local general practice, will heavily involve the University.

Dr Clare Morris, from the Department of Clinical Education and Leadership at the University, said: “We are investing in the development of selected GPs by offering fully funded courses and study leave through our MA in Medical Education or our Executive MBA.”

In addition at the University, there is the opportunity to earn weekly experience in its Department of Clinical Education and Leadership.

Dr Morris said: “This collaborative project is a creative response to the challenges faced in recruiting 'future leaders' in General Practice nationally and locally.

“The selected GPs benefit from a varied portfolio of work activity, spanning clinical, educational and commissioning roles. In turn, our students benefit from their input to curriculum design, study days and taught courses.”

The initiative is the first of its kind for over a decade and has the potential to become the national norm.

Anyone interested in the Luton Future GP Leaders Scheme should contact: katy.patrick@lutonccg.nhs.uk