Warning Of GP Crisis In Scotland

The BMA say GP practices are struggling to cope, with a fifth finding it difficult to recruit enough doctors.

Almost a fifth of GP practices in Scotland are struggling to find enough doctors.

The BMA say surgeries are "struggling to cope" and are calling for the government to do more to recruit family doctors.

Research by their Scottish GP Committee found that 17% of the 463 practices who responded had at least one GP vacancy.  

The survey also revealed the difficulties practices face in trying to secure locum cover, with 75% of respondents stating that they were unable to secure a locum on at least one day over a one month period.  In more extreme cases, practices had been unable to secure locum cover for 15 days or more within the one month period.

Dr Andrew Buist, deputy chair of the BMA's Scottish GP committee, said: "An ever increasing workload, combined with falling resources, has led to a reduction in the number of doctors choosing to train as GPs, while senior GPs are choosing to retire early or work abroad for a better work-life balance. This will inevitably affect the care we can provide to our patients.  A high vacancy rate translates into a decline in the number of available appointments - reducing access to general practice at a time when we are trying to treat more people in their communities.

"We’re calling on the Scottish Government to work with us so that we can improve workforce planning in the long term.  But the findings from our survey also illustrate the need for urgent action to ensure that we are able to recruit and retain GPs now."