Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Ross Finnie says that while GP numbers have risen, the service they provide has remained unchanged.

Commenting, Mr. Finnie said:

“An increase in the number of GPs is of course to be welcomed, but it should come with a corresponding increase in service.

“For example, the number of practices providing out of hours care has remained static for the last 3 years.

“A higher ratio of GPs in deprived areas would help address the healthcare gap between rich and poor.

“The large increase in the number of GPs could make a real difference to patient care, if doctors are targeted to patient need.”