Access and capacity inherently linked

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government commitment to deliver 100,000 extra appointments in GP surgeries in the coming year, Dr Chris Provan Chair of RCGP Scotland, said:

"General practice is the solution to the NHS crisis, and GPs and patients will welcome the attention on strengthening general practice in today's Programme for Government and from across all sides of the Debating Chamber.

"GPs are as frustrated as their patients are when there are challenges with access to appointments. However, it is the significant workload and workforce challenges that are the major barrier to good access. General practice already delivers 90% of patient contacts with 6.5% of the NHS budget, a shrinking workforce and growing patient lists.

"The First Minister described that these 100,000 extra appointments will focus on key risk factors of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking, which suggests they may tie in with the recently announced Cardiovascular Disease Enhanced Service for general practice. RCGP Scotland will work with the Scottish Government to understand how it intends to support practices to deliver this commitment.

"Ultimately, the way to improve access to GP appointments is to increase the number of GPs, and we have concerns with promises around patient appointment access because we simply don't have the workforce capacity to deliver it."

Further information

Media requests to Marcus Carslaw, Policy and Public Relations Officer RCGP Scotland.
Telephone: 07808 795493
Email: marcus.carslaw@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

RCGP Scotland represents a network of around 5,000 doctors in Scotland aiming to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standard of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on resources, education, training, research, and clinical standards.