GP Trainee Shortage

A Freedom of Information request has revealed a 20% GP trainee vacancy rate in Scotland.

The figure has been obtained by Scottish Labour who claim investment in general practice has fallen by over £1billion since 2005.

The party's warning the problem is only going to get worse over the next decade unless 'real' action is taken now.

A consultation is to get underway with Scotland’s family doctors, outlining a raft of ideas to take action now.

Scottish Labour Public Services Spokesperson Dr Richard Simpson, a former GP with over thirty years’ experience said: “It is now overwhelmingly clear that we are facing a crisis in general practice. This is the result of complete inaction from the SNP Government in Edinburgh since they came to power.

“We are seeing a drop in  primary care share of funding, fewer medical students and now more vacancies remaining unfilled. Unless we see real action now this problem is only going to get worse in the next decade. Ministers can no longer sit on their hands.

“It effects every part of our health service, from missed waiting times for mental health to increasing pressure on A&E because people can’t see a local doctor.

“Scottish Labour has a positive vision to tackle the GP crisis. That is why today we will be launching a consultation on our ideas to sort out this mess, and ask GPs across the country for their ideas."