Independent Lothian MSP sets out plan to improve patients' access to GPs and modernise NHS
Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour has set out a plan to address what he calls the “chronic failings” of NHS Lothian.
Mr Balfour says supporting GP practices to offer evening appointments twice a week would allow patients to be given a guarantee they could see a GP within five working days.
He said that would give patients faster access to primary care and greater flexibility in booking appointments, while reducing pressure on emergency and out of hours care services.
Mr Balfour, who quit the Tories in August, accusing the the party leadership of having "little interest in genuine policy innovation", also wants to modernise NHS Lothian by extending the ‘MyCare.Scot’ App - which give access to appointments, information on medicines and a directory of health and care services - across the health board and rolling out a single, secure electronic record connecting GPs, hospitals, pharmacies and community services.
He said the move would ensure that both patients and clinicians had access to up-to-date information, reducing delays and improving patient safety. He said his plan aimed to cut waste across NHS Lothian and ringfence every pound saved for frontline care.
Mr Balfour, who is seeking re-election as an independent in next year’s Holyrood elections, said: “The people of Edinburgh and Lothians East should not have to wait weeks to see a GP.
“Patients should be able to access the care they need – when they need it. I have proposed a practical plan to make healthcare in Edinburgh and the Lothians faster, fairer and patient centred.
“Expanded GP appointments, modernised digital care and a focus on efficiency will take pressure off emergency services and restore trust in NHS Lothian.
“The major political parties have demonstrated that they lack the political will to drive real change in our NHS. As an Independent, I will fight for a fairer and faster NHS Lothian unbound by party politics.”