evidence: Staff shortages also vary considerably by region, with the highest percentage of full-time equivalent vacancies in London (11.6%) and the lowest in the South West (6.7%). Previous analysis suggests practices that reported data in more deprived areas of England have fewer GPs per person on their list than those in less deprived areas. England also now appears to have the lowest level of GP staffing of any of the four UK countries. Although there are attempts to improve equity in GP supply across the country, 19 these initiatives must be able to constantly identify and monitor areas with the greatest patient need.