Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that it will provide additional funding of more than half a billion pounds over the next three years to improve access to services and support recruitment in General Practice. This is the largest investment in core GP services in Scotland to date.
The announcement, subject to Parliament agreeing future budgets, comes following agreement with the British Medical Association (BMA) over new additional funding which builds to a recurring £249 million in three years’ time. The funding will help boost staff numbers and capacity, support day-to-day operations and make it easier for people to access GP services.
Fiona commented,
“This substantial investment in core GP services will transform access for patients, creating more appointment availability and supporting a major recruitment drive starting next year.”
“I am acutely aware of the significant pressures facing GP practices across my Constituency, having met a number of them in the past. I have raised these concerns directly with the Health Secretary and I welcome his commitment to meet GPs in the Lothian region next month to discuss local priorities.
“This record funding should reassure GPs, Practice staff and patients in West Lothian that services will see a massive change, ensuring more face to face appointments, with those who need to see a GP seen faster and more efficiently than ever before.”
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Further info for editors:
This newly agreed additional funding takes additional new investment for General Practice to £531 million.
Subject to future budget processes, an initial investment of £98 million will be made available in 2026-27, with £183 million being invested in 2027-28 and £249 million following in 2028-29.
This builds on SG current annual investment into General Practice of over £1.3 billion, including more than an additional £100m over the last two years.
The new investment will also help deliver digital prescribing, which aims to improve efficiency within Primary Care settings and enhance the patient experience.
Link to the SG Press Release in full:
From <https://www.gov.scot/news/531-million-investment-in-general-practice/>