General practitioners across Scotland became worried about a Scottish National Party (SNP) proposal to establish new walk-in GP centres. The government declared that these centres would operate seven days a week. Then they aimed at relieving pressure on the existing practices, which would get more flexible access to them. However, doctors argue that this plan may have the opposite effect on the current crisis in GP care rather than solve it.
GPs warn right across the country that new centers cannot be started out up unless an already struggling primary care staff shortage is addressed. Many doctors speak of heavy workloads and burnout. They complain that under the new system resources will be extended only further, as the same group of GPs and nurses must be on duty longer hours. Without more help, it may weaken then move away from existing hands into new ones.
They also believe that walk-in clinics may damage a patient’s continuity of care. After patients who see their doctors regularly can track their medical history better and be more sure of treatment, the GP can know them better. On the other hand, walk-in centres which take the next person who comes along may get in the way of this vital trust making link. GPs stress that real reform ought to concentrate on strengthening the continual patient-doctor connection, not replacing it with brief visits afterwards.
