BMA: Scotland must do more to meet demand for GP surgeries

The British Medical Association has stated that more must be done to ensure that there are enough GP surgeries in Scotland to meet the needs of the population.

A new report from the Registrar General reveals that Scotland's population has risen to its highest ever level, but the BMA does not believe this growth is being accounted for when planning local health services.

The organisation is therefore calling on ministers to put measures in place to ensure that town planners have a duty to consider the impact of any new housing developments on local health services.

This would include supporting the creation of new practices in areas where significant population growth is taking place.

Dr Andrew Buist, deputy chairman of the BMA's Scottish GP committee, said: "If we are to improve access and provide the range of services that patients need, then we have to make sure we have the capacity to deliver."

Last month, the BMA urged the government to give greater consideration to public health matters when planning transport policy in future.