To improve services for patients £82.6 million has been allocated to Scottish health boards to expand teams within GP practices and modernise systems.

The funding will allow healthcare professionals to be established in every GP practice including increased: pharmacy support for repeat prescriptions and medication reviews; nursing support for routine tests and wound treatment; and access to physiotherapy services.

The measures will ensure patients can see the right healthcare expert at the right time while giving GPs more time with patients most in need of their skills and allowing doctors to focus on complex diagnosis, such as suspected cancer cases.

A further £2 million has also been allocated to modernise telephone systems within practices which will improve call waiting times for patients.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “GP surgeries provide a wide range of services, supporting both the physical and mental health of patients. The contribution general practice makes to the health and wellbeing of communities is invaluable. This funding will improve how general practice services are delivered and in turn enhance the patients’ experience of accessing care.

“We have now delivered every penny we committed to Health Boards and GPs as part of our ongoing commitment to help support practices deliver care. The NHS is facing the biggest challenge this winter and this investment will have real benefits for both patients and front-line staff.”

The Scottish Government has allocated £360 million of funding over four years under the 2018 GP Contract - £40 million in 2018/2019; £55 million in 2019/2020; £110 million in 2020/2021 and £155 million in 2021/22.