Small rise in GP numbers – but more are needed

An increase in the number of GPS working in Scotland has been welcomed by a trade union as a “positive step” towards bolstering the profession.

Figures reveal a rise of 75 GPS this year, taking the overall number in the country to 4,994.

The figures also showed the number of women working as GPS in Scotland has grown by more than a quarter over the past decade, making up 61 per cent of the workforce.

The number of GPS has remained roughly constant at around 4,900 over the past decade.

The Scottish Government wants to increase the number of GPS in Scotland by at least 800 over the next ten years.

Andrew Buist, chairman of the Scottish GP Committee, urged the government to build on its commitments.