RCGP Scotland comment on Programme for Government 2021-22

Commenting on the Scottish Government's 2021/22 Programme for Government (PfG), RCGP Scotland's Joint Chair Dr Chris Williams said:

"It is clear that the whole of primary care is under immense strain, therefore today's announcement of a 25% increase in funding for primary care over the course of this Parliament is to be welcomed.

"There are many encouraging elements within this year's Programme for Government (PfG). We are particularly pleased to see increased investment in mental health and feel there is a real opportunity to revolutionise the care that patients receive.

"With regards to the increased funding for primary care, we await further detail about what this will mean for general practice. The pandemic has taken a significant toll on our profession and it is crucial that we receive adequate funding to enable the retention of staff and to ensure that GPs and their teams have the resources to be able to cope with rising demand.

"General practice is key to the recovery of the NHS and we have significant concerns about the impact of continued underinvestment on the service. Historically, we have called for 11% of Scottish NHS funding to be allocated to general practice and we would like to see this delivered during this parliament.

"Investment in general practice is crucial as we reform primary care, and to ensure that people will be using services that are sustainable and fit for purpose.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and others to ensure that general practice receives the resources it needs to deliver the highest standard of patient care."

Further information

(For media only)

Media requests to Lisa Boyle

Communications Officer

Tel: 07388 388 260

Notes to editor

lisa.boyle @rcgp.org.uk

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.