New figures released today by ISD have revealed the extent of Dumfries and Galloway’s GP crisis.

These figures show that the number General Practitioners in Dumfries and Galloway have plummeted by a quarter over the last 10 years. The figures there are 40 fewer GPs compared and 3 fewer GP practises since 2009.

Over the same period the region’s average practice list size has increased by almost 10%, putting extra pressure on those doctors who remain.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said, “These figures expose the impact a decade of mismanagement by the SNP Government is having for patients in Dumfries and Galloway. GPs are the frontline of our NHS, and a vital first point of contact for patients, but primary care is clearly still not getting the investment it needs”.

“While the local NHS board have been undertaking valuable work to try attract Doctors in training to experience working here while they are still studying, we still need a long term, comprehensive national plan to attract and retain nurses and doctors”.

“We need to be honest that unless we invest more in our NHS and take strategic action to tackle the growing workforce crisis facing areas such as Dumfries and Galloway, that crisis will deepen. We need to train more doctors and deliver increased capacity within General Practices by bringing in other medical professionals  to ensure that GPs are properly supported and patients are getting the care they need and deserve.”