How are hospital doctors primarily employed compared to general practitioners (GPs)?

Hospital doctors are primarily employed by the state, often working within NHS hospitals or other public healthcare facilities, which means they receive a salary from the government. This employment structure aligns with how the NHS is designed in the UK, where the focus is on providing public healthcare services funded by the state.

On the other hand, general practitioners (GPs) typically operate as self-employed contractors. They run their own practices and are contracted to provide services to the NHS, but they manage their businesses independently. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the different roles and employment models within the healthcare system, reflecting the unique responsibilities and operational frameworks of hospital doctors versus GPs.

Understanding this employment structure is imperative for differentiating the two roles in the healthcare system, particularly regarding their governance, funding, and service delivery models.