The STUC will lobby for GPs to be more
available to patients to reduce pressure
on emergency and other front-line, diagnostic
services.
UNISON Health’s Catriona Beveridge
told delegates that it is not appropriate
for GP facilities only to be available
during the traditional hours they work
whilst the rest of the NHS has extended
access.
“It is time for GPs to help to
provide additional care through such measures
telephone consultations, extended GP hours,
extended hours for nurses within surgeries
and increased numbers of nurses, and providing
minor ailment/injury clinics.
“This would not only help take
pressure off front-line services but would
bring GPs and other staff working in surgeries
closer to their wider NHS colleagues and
work towards reducing the amount of time
patients currently spend waiting for and
attending appointments within acute services
that really should not be necessary.”
