Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has raised concerns over the SNP Government's failure to engage constructively with the BMA over the provision of 24 hour care all year round.

The NHS announced today that all medical cover over the festive season is to be provided by NHS 24 because the fact that some GP surgeries might be open whilst others remain closed "might confuse patients".

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

"This rush by the SNP Government and NHS Scotland to deploy NHS 24 instead of GPs over Christmas and the New Year because "it might confuse patients" is concerning. It underlines the complete failure of the Government to sit round the table with the BMA and work out a system of 24 hour care that has GPs at its core.

"Ministers must stop this drift towards shuffling the patient off to a call centre at any excuse."