Scottish practices are to get funding to modernise phone systems alongside new support to bring in a range of healthcare professionals, it has been announced.

The Scottish government announced a total of £82.6 million to expand teams within practices and “modernise systems.” It says that new clinicians will include pharmacists and nurses to assist with routine tests and wound treatment together with access to physiotherapy services. The allocation is the latest to be announced as part of a deal agreed in the country’s 2018 GP contract. It includes £2 million for modernising phone systems.

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “GP surgeries provide a wide range of services, supporting both the physical and mental health of patients. The contribution general practice makes to the health and wellbeing of communities is invaluable. This funding will improve how general practice services are delivered and in turn enhance the patients’ experience of accessing care.We have now delivered every penny we committed to Health Boards and GPs as part of our ongoing commitment to help support practices deliver care. The NHS is facing the biggest challenge this winter and this investment will have real benefits for both patients and front-line staff.”

Dr Andrew Buist, chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish GP committee, said: “Things continue to be really tough for GPs and teams working in practices across Scotland. We need help to cope with demand – both while the pandemic continues and looking longer term, including as restrictions begin to ease following the Omicron wave. A crucial part of this is building the teams around GPs and ensuring there are the right skilled staff in place to ensure people at treated by the most appropriate professional, freeing up GPs time to focus on the highest priority patients who need our time the most. This funding will make a crucial contribution in that sense, so is very welcome and we hope it will make a real difference for practices and patients across Scotland.”