Surgeries may stay open at Easter

More cash is being handed to GP practices to help them cope with extra pressures caused by the Covid- 19 pandemic.

Around £15 million is being provided, with a third of the cash earmarked for doctors’ surgeries to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, where safe to do so.

The remainder will help to cover costs of equipment, additional non-clinical staff, GP partners and locum cover for sickness leave.

Chair of the BMA’s Scottish GP Committee, Dr Andrew Buist said: “This is an unprecedented time for all of us, and asking GPs to keep their practices open over public holidays is not a request we have taken lightly.

“Practices and out- ofhours services are working under more pressure than ever during this pandemic and I know GPs across Scotland are willing to put in the extra work required to help the NHS fight this virus.

“Our NHS is changing, and at the forefront of that change is the primary care response.

“General practice is part of that protective ring around the hospital system that will help us all cope with the surge in demand we are expecting.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman added: “I want to thank all GP practice staff for their incredible hard work throughout this pandemic.

“They are doing an invaluable job to keep crucial primary care services going in very challenging circumstances.

“Given the unprecedented situation we are in, I have taken the unusual step of asking GP practices to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday – but only if it is safe to do so. This will help to alleviate some pressure from out-of-hours services.”