Improving Access to GP Services in Scotland's Highlands and Islands

That the Parliament recognises the vital role that General Practitioners and primary care teams play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Scotland; highlights the particular challenges that it believes are faced by people living in the Highlands and Islands due to geographic isolation, long travel distances, limited transport links and the dispersed nature of rural populations; further believes that many residents in remote and island communities experience additional difficulties accessing timely GP appointments and essential healthcare services; recognises the pressures faced by rural GP practices, which, it believes, include challenges in recruiting and retaining nurses and wider healthcare professionals; commends the dedication of GP practice staff and healthcare workers who continue to provide essential services in what it considers to be some of Scotland’s most challenging locations; believes that people living in rural and island communities should have equitable access to high quality healthcare regardless of their postcode; calls on the Scottish Government, NHS Boards and partners to develop sustainable solutions for rural healthcare, including improved workforce planning, support for rural GP practices, expanded use of appropriate digital healthcare and investment in services that reflect the unique needs of Highlands and Islands communities.