Responding to Audit Scotland's report General practice: Progress since the 2018 General Medical Services contract, Dr Iain Morrison, chair of BMA Scottish general practitioners Committee, said: "This Audit Scotland report demonstrates in forensic detail exactly why so many practices across Scotland are struggling to meet demand and the enormous pressures so many GPs are having to work under which has left them angry and demoralised.

“The failure to invest in General Practice and plan effectively to recruit GPs is taking its inevitable toll. After seven years, the 2018 GP contract has failed to create anywhere near the services and capacity promised to the profession by the Scottish Government. Given the rising demand from a growing and ageing population, with more complex health conditions, it means GPs are simply unable to provide the best possible service to their patients and the community.

“It is clear we desperately need more GPs in Scotland. However, Audit Scotland warn that the Government’s commitment to increase the number of GPs working in Scotland by at least 800 by 2027 will not be met and that this additional number may not be sufficient to meet the health needs of the population. BMA Scotland has been warning of the lack of progress on this target for some time and there is a clear need to step up action not only recruit more GPs but to retain the existing workforce.

“Central to that must be to invest directly in GPs, which the 2018 contract failed to do. That left substantial sums being channelled through the improvement fund which simply is not delivering as it should. As a result, GP practices across the country are having to look at reducing services to balance their books and newly qualified GPs are struggling for work as practices simply cannot afford to employ the doctors which are desperately needed. The situation has become paradoxical.

“We call upon Government to urgently address the shocking situation that General Practice is in. The only solution is for the Scottish Government to invest directly in our GP practices. Increasing the proportion of the NHS budget which goes to General Practice to 15% would mean an extra 1800 WTE GPs across Scotland; allowing us to massively improve patient access, bringing huge benefits across the NHS. A properly resourced General Practice can offer so much to the health and wellbeing of Scotland but the dire predicament we are in now – as illustrated by Audit Scotland - means we need immediate action to safeguard the bedrock of the NHS."

 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.