Plummeting GP numbers and failure to hit key cancer treatment times have been branded “unacceptable” by the shadow Health Secretary.
New official data has revealed the number of doctors at already stretched surgeries is falling across Tayside and Fife as the number of patients requiring help increases.
Scottish Labour health spokesman Richard Simpson, a Fife MSP and former GP, said: “Under the SNP’s watch we are staring into the face of a major GP recruitment crisis.”
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said that all boards are experiencing a national shortage in GPs and they are “no exception”.
She added: “NHS Tayside continues to work with practices to try to predict any workforce issues, for example GPs coming up to retirement, to help support them to plan community health services for the future.”
Meanwhile NHS Tayside and NHS Fife are also amongst four health boards to miss the Scottish Government’s target to start treating cancer sufferers within 31 days.
Gavin Main, Associate Medical Director with NHS Tayside, said “a national shortage of specialist surgeons” was a major factor in the health board falling short.
NHS Fife was asked for comment but have not responded.
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