Population health fears

DOCTORS' leaders have warned that more must be done to meet demand for health services in growing communities.

According to a recent General Register Office report, Scotland's population is expected to rise by 7 per cent to 5.54 million by 2033, with the population of East Lothian expected to grow by 33 per cent.

The rises will create pressure on existing general practices.

Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland, said: "The BMA calls on the Scottish Government to introduce health impact assessments for all government policy to ensure that health is taken into account by all ministerial departments"