Medics warn that housebuilding plans must consider GP practice capacity

Patients could be at risk of “unsafe care” if plans to build new housing do not consider the impact on GP services, a group of medics have warned.

The Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland (RCGP Scotland) said that local planners should have an obligation to ensure “the continuation of the safe provision of healthcare” when deciding on housing applications. Failing to factor in the impact of new homes on GP services could undermine patient care and leave practices unable to cope, the college said.

Nearly 16,000 new homes were completed across Scotland in 2015/16, and the Scottish Government wants to see another 50,000 affordable homes built by 2021.

However RCGP Scotland claims major developments could have a “direct impact” on GP surgeries in the areas concerned.

RCGP Scotland chair Dr Miles Mack said: “Any attempts to tackle Scotland’s insufficient housing supply must consider the impact upon local general practices, many of which are struggling to survive while serving the size of communities they are already responsible for. Many GPs simply do not have the capacity to deal with larger lists of patients.”

Dr Mack added: “What consideration has been given to the capacity of the existing local GP practices? Clearly, these people will mostly already be accommodated elsewhere but at a time when practices are restricting their lists across the country it is absolutely crucial that serious thought be given to the services for patients once they arrive in their new area.

“The planning system must take responsibility for the impact of decisions on GP services. Until they do, patients face uncertainty with the possibility of their practices simply buckling under added pressures.”