Central Scotland Region MSP Stephen Kerr is calling on the SNP Government to set a target date for the return of more normal, face-to-face GP services.
The call comes after the Scottish Conservatives led a debate in the Scottish Parliament urging SNP Ministers to commit to outlining when patients will routinely be able to see their GP face-to-face for appointments. The SNP-Green Government and other parties voted against the Scottish Conservative motion.
Mr Kerr has thanked GPs across Falkirk for going above and beyond during the pandemic but says they are completely overwhelmed and this is having a knock-on effect on other health services in the area including ambulance wait times and A&E services. The MSP further commented that the SNP Government have been warned for years about a lack of funding for GP services in the Falkirk area, but failed to take any action.
Stephen Kerr said :
“The refusal of the SNP-Green Government to back a swifter return to face-to-face GP appointments is extremely disappointing. The SNP cannot use Covid as an excuse. They were warned for years about how our GPs were overwhelmed and underfunded, but they failed to take any action.
GPs across Falkirk have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to support patients but they are at breaking point. The SNP’s mismanagement of the health service over the last 14 years is failing GPs as they try to recover from the pandemic and get back to seeing more patients in person. Refusing to set a target date and provide the support desperately needed is letting down GPs and their patients as well as Ambulance and A&E services.
As we head towards winter, these pressures will only worsen. I will be continuing to hold the SNP Government to account, and push for a return of more face-to-face appointments between patients and their GP.”