GP walk-in centres trial: Why is Salmond not standing up for patients in Scotland?

Alex Salmond today refused to even answer Scottish Conservative calls for GP walk-in centres to be trialled in Scotland.

Speaking after First Minister's Questions today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, says:

"This SNP Government has got its priorities on health all wrong. It puts political ideology before patient care. It is more interested in populist policies like free prescriptions for people on £160,000 a year such as Alex Salmond, rather than providing value for money.

"What we really need is less waste, more choice and more innovation.

"In England there are GP walk-in centres open during patient friendly hours and at patient friendly locations. Scottish Conservatives want to trial this initiative in Scotland.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if here in Scotland you could see a GP without any appointment, on your way to work, be seen within a quarter of an hour, and still be at your desk by 8 o'clock - because in London, Bristol and Manchester you can. It really is a matter of the patient will see you now, doctor.

"In not confirming his support for GP walk-in centres, Alex Salmond now needs to explain why Scottish NHS patients are being denied a facility working so well for English NHS patients. He is not standing up for Scottish patients, he is ignoring what they need and what they want."

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