SNP LOSE VOTE ON GP SHORTAGES
The Scottish Government has been defeated in a vote on GP shortages after opposition parties united behind a Scottish Greens motion brought by parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone MSP.
The debate highlighted local issues all over Scotland as a result of challenges recruiting and retaining GPs while demand for services is growing. The opposition parties backed calls from the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners for 11pc of the Health budget to go to GP services.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“It was clear in debate that GP services are feeling the strain in every part of Scotland. These local health services are so vital to community led health and well-being approaches which are far more cost effective than pushing patients towards A&E.
“It was important to get cross party backing for this motion today and it’s essential now that the Government takes heed of the concerns raised.”