Growing number of Lothians GPs offering out of hours care

Published on Tuesday 7 July 2009 10:10

THE number of GPs offering out of hours care is continuing to grow across the Lothians, latest figures have revealed.

Nearly two-thirds of city doctors have now signed up to the Scottish Government scheme designed to encourage busy workers to go for check-ups.

When the health minister announced the plans last year it was met with a mixed reaction from GPs, but most agreed to accept the contract.

And after a slow start, the vast majority have now come into line with the policy.

Former GP and MSP Dr Ian McKee said the changes were necessary to adapt to the ways of the modern world.

"There is still room for improvement and I am positive this figure will rise further," said the nationalist MSP.

"I would like to encourage all surgeries in Edinburgh and the Lothians who are yet to sign up to the scheme or who are undecided, to follow the example of the majority of their colleagues.

"The reality is that many of us lead nine-to-five lifestyles and it is simply not possible for everyone to visit a doctor within these hours.

"The extension of opening hours will mean that people will be more likely not to neglect their health and visit a GP when it is necessary to do so."

Holyrood has always signalled its intention to make care more accessible and "user friendly" by having surgeries open for longer into the evening and at weekends.

It means not only can people go for check-ups and diagnosis of minor complaints when they might previously not have thought it worth taking the time off work, but also enables women to have crucial contact with health professionals to deal with issues such as cervical screening.

The British Medical Association in Scotland has always been critical of the way health officials dealt with the striking of the deal, and even though 93 per cent agreed to the contract, it stated it remains to be seen if it has been a positive move.

It has also said previously that the measure – which took considerable investment – wouldn't improve the nation's health, as it would just be those who regularly attended the doctor turning up on a more regular basis.

A spokeswoman for the Edinburgh-based organisation said: "A lot of GPs are choosing to do this for financial reasons because they stand to lose some practice income if they don't.

"Others are doing it because there is plenty of demand for it. But we have had some places opening in the evening and weekend and the people coming to those aren't necessarily those who couldn't have come during the week."