LOCAL MSP HIGHLIGHTS GP WAITING TIME SOLUTIONS

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, today highlighted the steps the Scottish Government is taking to help reduce GP waiting times. This follows Mr Beattie’s question to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Shona Robison, at yesterday’s Portfolio Questions in the Parliament.

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that the Scottish Government will be spending £20.5 million on the primary care transformation programme, £6 million in developing digital services such as online appointment booking, and £16.2 million to recruit 140 new pharmacists to work directly with practices.

The Cabinet Secretary also reiterated the Scottish Government’s action to free up more time for GPs by abolishing the GP payments system, and highlighted the £170 million investment in projects delivering new or refurbished GP premises and the Government’s hub programme that’s delivering over £500 million-worth of community healthcare infrastructure.

Mr Beattie commented: ‘From the number of constituents who have contacted me on this issue, it’s clear that steps need to be taken to improve GP access. I’m reassured at the Scottish Government’s proposals.

‘The pressures on GP surgeries are substantial these days, in particular as a result of increases in housing. We need to balance infrastructure with development to ensure that constituents can get the medical help they need when they need it.
‘While solutions will not appear overnight, I’m sure the steps the Scottish Government is taking will see results.’