Today at First Minister’s Questions, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser quizzed Nicola Sturgeon on the chronic shortage of GPs in Kirkcaldy and the inequity of funding between affluent and disadvantaged areas.
Murdo has previously revealed via freedom of information request that every practice in Kirkcaldy was operating with a full list which means they have no space for new patients. Although, NHS Fife can technically allocate patients to these practices, more patients will inevitably result in longer waiting times.
A report this week in the British Medical Journal laid bare the full extent of the current GP crisis with surgeries in the most affluent areas receiving substantially more funding per patient than corresponding practices in disadvantaged communities.
Commenting outside the Chamber Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Health inequalities are a serious issue for Scotland and I would have liked to have heard the First Minister explain in more detail about the revised 2017 contract and how this will specifically improve the experience for patients in less advantaged communities.
“Constituents in Kirkcaldy who can’t get a GP or are faced with long waits for appointments will be disappointed that more isn’t being done to help alleviate the pressures being felt in their area.
“Tackling health inequalities will be critical for increasing the life chances of everyone across Scotland and I believe it is an area that the Government must spend more time focusing on.”