GP leaders have warned a funding gap must be urgently addressed to save general practice in Scotland – and the future of the NHS. 

BMA Scotland has found the funding practices receive for every patient has been eroded year after year against inflation since 2008. In all, eroded funding streams and new cost pressures have created a shortfall in practice funding of 22.8 per cent.

The BMA believe it will require £290m to deliver full funding restoration, which must first stabilise General Practice and then grow the GP workforce to improve access and services for patients.

The current funding gap is having a huge impact on the provision of services for patients, at a time when demand for GPs is rising as the population continues to age, and with more disease prevalence and more treatment options than ever before. 

BMA Scotland has launched a new campaign which will include posters in GP surgeries explaining the issues to help patients understand why they may be struggling to get the service or access they want and need.

Patients are also being urged to ‘Stand with your Surgery’ and back the call for general practice to receive more funding, so that surgeries are better able to serve their communities. 

Iain Morrison, chair of BMA Scottish general practitioners committee, said: 'The funding we receive for every patient we care for has been eroded year after year against inflation since 2008. In all, eroded funding streams and new cost pressures have created a shortfall in practice funding of 22.8 per cent when inflation is taken into account. 

'This means practices simply do not have the resources required to employ all the staff they need – and in particular GPs– at a time when demand is going up at a rapid rate. We know that access to GPs is undeniably a real issue and patients can struggle to get an appointment at their surgery in a timely manner.  

'We share the frustration that many patients are currently feeling and we want to be able to deliver a service that we are proud of, rather than constantly apologising for. This can only be achieved if urgent action is taken to address a £290m funding gap – around 1 per cent of the Scottish NHS budget – to stabilise General Practice and begin the process of giving our patients the access they need and deserve. 

'Unless this is delivered it will leave general practice at risk of failing. We provide 90 per cent of patient contact and without general practice, the NHS simply cannot survive.'

Dr Morrison said this was just a starting point and there was the opportunity for a 'revolution' in healthcare in Scotland if the full potential of General Practice was recognised. 

He said: 'There is currently only one GP in Scotland for every 1,735 people, when that used to be every 1,515 people. 

'It is clear we desperately need more GPs in Scotland. But we have seen a reduction in the number of WTE [whole-time equivalent] GPs despite the Scottish Government’s promise to increase the number of GPs working in Scotland by at least 800 by 2027. We need to be far more ambitious and work towards a commitment of one WTE GP for every 1,000 people, which would allow us to deliver far more in terms of preventative health and a more individualised health experience.

'There is huge potential for a revolution in how we can approach healthcare in Scotland by getting everyone to live the healthiest life they can – but this can only be realised if GPs are given the necessary resources and support.” 

Dr Morrison said BMA Scotland is continuing to press the Scottish Government to urgently address the years of underfunding for General Practice – but warned time is running out.  

He said: 'If the Government does not act, then we really do risk the end of general practice in Scotland as we know it, and we cannot allow that to happen. 

'We have put the Scottish Government on notice that the current direction of travel is leading us towards formal dispute, which the profession has told us is ultimately something they are prepared to do, if it is needed, to save General Practice, and properly support the patients we care for in communities up and down Scotland. 

'This  would be a very last resort and we want to work at pace with Government and do all we can to avoid going down that path. The rhetoric for the Government on this suggests they are listening, but action is now required.'

Notes to editors

Tim Jays

Head of Public affairs and Strategic Comms

BMA Scotland

(0131) 2473018 / 07768 005850