The number of GPs and practice nurses has grown substantially over the past 10 years, according to official data from the government.
GP numbers have increased by almost a fifth (19%) from 28,046 in 1997 to 33,364 in 2007 while the number of full-time equivalent GPs rose by 17% from 26,359 to 30,936.
Other types of GP grew as well from 846 in 1997 to 6,022 in 2007, indicating a growth in practitioners who are paid a salary to work in general practice.
Full-time equivalent practice nurse staff numbers have soared by 44% from 10,082 in 1997 to 14,554 in 2007.
However, other community staff numbers have dropped, according to the data issued by the NHS Information Centre.
There were 12,410 health visitors in 1997, falling to 11,569 in 2007. District nurse numbers fell even more sharply from 14,150 to 10,779 over the same period.
Overall NHS staff numbers have increased by 26% since 1997 – around 272,000 more people.