RCGP Scotland ‘encouraged’ by First Minister’s promise of more funding for general practice

Responding to First Minister John Swinney MSP's speech on 'improving public services - NHS renewal', RCGP Scotland Chair, Dr Chris Provan said:

"I welcome today's speech by the First Minister and the direction he has set for long term, systematic progress for a sustainable NHS.

"The First Minister said that he has been persuaded by the case for a greater proportion of new NHS funding to go to primary and community care. RCGP Scotland has long argued for the level of investment in general practice to properly reflect and value the contribution it makes to patients and the wider NHS. I think GPs across Scotland will be encouraged by the First Minister’s words today.

"GPs and their teams are under unprecedented levels of pressure due to the workload of caring for a rising and ageing population and a declining workforce. Alongside investment, the other critical pillar to seeing more care in the community will be restabilising and bolstering the workforce.

“As the Chair of RCGP Scotland, I look forward to seeing more details on how this shift in new NHS funding will be delivered in the coming weeks. It is my hope that the First Minister's commitments today will strengthen the profession in the years to come and RCGP is committed to working in partnership with patients and the Scottish Government to see them realised.”

Further information

Media requests to Marcus Carslaw, Policy and Public Relations Officer RCGP Scotland.

Telephone: 07808 795493
Email: marcus.carslaw@rcgp.org.uk 

Notes to editors

RCGP Scotland represents a network of around 5,000 doctors in Scotland aiming to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standard of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on resources, education, training, research, and clinical standards.