‘Unacceptable’ to see direct GP encounters plunge in one year – Tories

It is “unacceptable” that the number of monthly direct GP encounters with patients has fallen in a year, the Conservatives have said.

The party highlighted figures showing there were 1,469,858 GP encounters in January this year, down from 1,583,148 in January 2024.

Direct encounters are classed as involved face-to-face or telephone contact with a GP, whereas indirect encounters involve reviewing prescriptions and administrative tasks.

During January 2025, 35.3% of all encounters were classed as direct.

Earlier this week, a report from Audit Scotland warned the number of family doctors has fallen, the pressure on them has increased, and patients are finding it more difficult to access care.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane, who is also a GP, said: “These shocking findings confirm that it is getting harder and harder for patients to have a direct encounter with their GP on the SNP’s watch.

“It is unacceptable that the number of encounters has plummeted by over 100,000 compared with the same point last year. It is little wonder that Audit Scotland were so damning of the SNP’s appalling failures in their report into GPs this week.

“As a GP, I am experiencing first-hand how the SNP have left us at breaking point and unable to meet patient demand.

“Suffering patients ultimately are the ones feeling the devastating effect of the SNP’s cuts to primary care, and their failure to recruit more GPs.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “In January 2025 there were approximately 2.9 million direct appointments with general practice – a mix of face to face, telephone, video and eConsultations which reflects the invaluable work GPs undertake.

“Activity data remains in development with improvements constantly being made, so direct comparisons should be used with caution.

“As part of our plans for NHS renewal, announced by the First Minister in January, a greater proportion of new NHS funding will go to primary and community care – making it easier for people to see their GP.

“This will also ensure GPs and services in the community have the resources they need to play a greater role in our health system.”