Scotland is facing a family doctor “crisis”, it has been claimed, as new research revealed there are dozens of unfilled GP vacancies in Tayside and Fife’s health boards.
Dr Richard Simpson, Labour’s public health spokesman who was also a GP for 30 years, carried out a nationwide recruitment survey which involved writing to every practice in the country.
Dr Simpson’s survey found that almost one in four GP partners are close to retirement age.
It revealed 92 unfilled GP vacancies and 68 sessional GP vacancies which covers locums and other doctors who cover sickness and holiday leave.
Dr Simpson said he also received “over 50 emails from partners who raised serious and detailed concerns about their perceived crisis’ in GP practice and the need for action”.
It came as separate analysis by BBC Scotland showed difficulties with recruitment have led to more doctors’ surgeries being taken over by health boards.
NHS boards said 42 practices were now under their control a measure used in special circumstances and emergencies. None of these were in Tayside or Fife.
However, staffing shortages led to the out-of-hours GP service at Perth Royal Infirmary being closed for the summer, with fears being raised the move could become permanent.
Public health minister Maureen Watt said an extra £50 million would be spent on primary care to ensure patients get the service they deserve.
Dr Simpson said: “A family doctors crisis is looming in Scotland, but patients across the country are feeling the effects now.”
Ms Watt said: “In some parts of the country there is difficulty with recruitment but that’s not something that’s just happening in Scotland, it’s happening in the rest of the UK and indeed over Europe.”