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Government Told to Pause Walk-in GP Clinics Due to Low Patient Numbers
Public Health Scotland data showed 6,792 visits since launch, while the BMA said the scheme has not eased pressure on GP services.
- Figures released on Tuesday revealed low attendance at Scottish GP walk-in clinics, with some facilities averaging three visits daily, prompting calls to pause the pilot scheme.
- First Minister John Swinney introduced the initiative last year with £36 million in funding, promising to deliver one million additional GP and nurse appointments to end the '8am rush'.
- Dr. Iain Morrison, chair of the BMA's Scottish GPs committee, criticized the project, noting fewer than 7,000 patients have used the service since its February launch, while Dr. Chris Provan, chair of the Royal College of GPs Scotland, called it an "unfortunate distraction."
- Health Secretary Angela Constance defended the program, stating that with 10 of 30 clinics operational, the pilot is "just getting started" and will be "robustly evaluated" by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
- Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton warned ministers to pause expansion plans, arguing the government must invest in core services rather than separate initiatives that fail to address capacity challenges.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
Factuality
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