RCGP Scotland responds to GP collective action in Scotland

Commenting on the decision of the Scottish General Practitioner's Committee (SGPC) to enter a formal dispute with the Scottish Government, RCGP Scotland Chair Dr Chris Provan said:

"Absolutely no GP wants to be in this position of having to consider collective action against the Scottish Government, we would much rather be focused on providing services for patients.

"However, today's move by the SGPC shows the strength of feeling among GPs in Scotland. The current crisis in general practice is unsustainable.

"General practice is the bedrock of the NHS and carries out around 90% of patient contacts on any given day. When properly resourced, general practice alleviates pressures across the NHS, but the worsening workload and workforce crises are hampering the ability of GPs to deliver high quality care for patients.

"It is not for RCGP Scotland to get involved in contractual negotiations between the BMA and the Scottish Government, nor to influence any decision making about collective action. Regardless of what happens next, we want to see general practice reprioritised so that GPs and their teams can deliver whole person medical care."

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.