Towns' growth plans 'should include doctors'

Published on Tuesday 9 February 2010 09:07

DOCTORS have said plans for new housing should be required to consider the impact on local health services.

The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of GPs said areas of increasing population such as East Lothian will need more GP clinics, helped by the Scottish Government.

East Lothian's population is expected to swell by a third, it was revealed last week.

The call coincides with the General Practice Week, which runs until Friday.

Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the BMA's Scottish GP Committee, said: "General practice is very much at the heart of local communities and the care we provide is valued by our patients.

"If we are to improve access and provide the range of services that patients need, then we have to make sure we have the capacity.

"At present there is no requirement for planning departments to consider the impact of new housing developments on local health services, we believe that it would be common sense to include this as part of the planning process."