BMA: More funding needed to tackle waiting times

Family doctors in Scotland are treating growing numbers of patients without adequate funding and resources, according to comments from general practitioners (GPs) today.

The number of people registered with a GP has risen by 46,000 since funding levels were agreed, with no extra cash given for general practices between 2006-2007. Although doctors have welcomed an increase in the Scottish population, they have also asked for the rise to be met with extra resources.

However, doctors have warned that immigrants from Eastern Europe are increasing patient numbers, which is happening in urban and country areas and is placing a strain on resources.

“Even in my tiny rural practice I’m seeing patients from Eastern Europe. The numbers almost run into three figures. I think the 46,000 is a gross underestimate,” said Steve McCabe, GP in Skye, in BMA News, the membership magazine for the British Medical Association.

David Love, a GP in Peebles, added that some practices had full lists with another 30 GPs needed to cope with the added demand.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that medical centres operated by private health companies are treating just a quarter of NHS patients that they have been assigned with

The Telegraph reports that in the worst cases, companies have been working at 25 and 27 per cent capacity, with money being paid whether or not targets are being met. Around 0.17 billion pounds has been given to companies to operate 18 centres since 2004.

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