Our local GP services do a wonderful job keeping residents heathy and allowing us to manage our health and wellbeing. In Edinburgh however, our GPs are being badly let down. A growing population has led to practices closing or severely restricting lists, meaning many new residents are struggling to access vital primary health care services.

Indeed, my research revealed that of the 13 GP practices in Edinburgh South only 4 are taking on new patients. Indeed, in Gilmerton, where housing development has been at its most intense, all three practices (Ferniehill, Gracemount and Southern) are closed to new patients.

Local business Bernard Hunter Crane Hire are currently developing proposals for a new mixed use development, which includes the provision for a brand new GP practice. This practice is absolutely vital for the area but because the current Scottish Government funding formula does not provide additional infrastructure resources for growing populations, it’s currently at risk of not being built.

Please sign and share my open letter to Health Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP calling on his government to urgently provide the required funding for Gilmerton and the South Edinburgh.