FINNIE: SERVICE NEEDS TO MATCH RISING GP NUMBERS

Written by Ross Finnie on Tue 26th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Ross Finnie says that while GP numbers have risen, the service they provide has remained unchanged.

Commenting, Mr. Finnie said:

"An increase in the number of GPs is of course to be welcomed, but it should come with a corresponding increase in service.

"For example, the number of practices providing out of hours care has remained static for the last 3 years.

"A higher ratio of GPs in deprived areas would help address the healthcare gap between rich and poor.

"The large increase in the number of GPs could make a real difference to patient care, if doctors are targeted to patient need."

Ends.

Notes to Editors

The headcount of GPs contracted to work in Scottish practices has increased from 4,456 in 2004 to 4,941 in 2009- an increase of 10.9%

The number of practices providing an out of hours service was 51 in 2007, 2008 and 2009.