This month, I met with officials from NHS Lothian to discuss my long-running campaign for better GP services in the south of Edinburgh. I was encouraged by the positive developments they outlined for South Edinburgh:
- All local GP practices now have open lists and are accepting new patients.
- Problems with booking appointments and waiting times are easing as practices continue to adopt new ways of working.
- Capacity will increase further with the new GP facility at the Liberton High School campus, which will provide space for around 12,000 patients – approximately 4,000 additional places.
- Current NHS Lothian assessments indicate that planned housing growth in Liberton and Gilmerton can be accommodated within existing and planned primary care capacity through to 2030.
This represents significant progress compared with just a few years ago. I want to thank NHS Lothian for taking these concerns seriously, and everyone who has signed the petition, whose support has helped provide the momentum needed to secure these improvements.
While these developments are welcome, I remain concerned about longer-term capacity. South Edinburgh’s population continues to grow, particularly in the south-east of the city, with hundreds of new homes planned in Liberton and Gilmerton in the years ahead.
To keep pace with growing demand, the Scottish Government must lift its freeze on NHS capital funding and invest in expanding GP services and local healthcare infrastructure. Despite receiving an additional £12 billion from the UK Labour Government, the Scottish Government has continued to restrict investment in projects that would help communities like ours. I have written to the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance, on this issue and to make the case for increased investment in local GP services.
Through this campaign, and my wider Building Better Places campaign, I will continue to argue for the infrastructure and public services our communities need. Finally, If there are any specific issues related to the campaign I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me directly by emailing Ian.Murray.MP@Parliament.UK.
If you haven’t yet signed the petition, you can do so below.