Most GPs in Lanarkshire have gone back to a pre-pandemic easy appointment booking system, an MSP has found.
Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson says that the majority of family doctors are not forcing people to call up first thing and only for one the day appointments.
And he is calling for those that are to revise their procedures.
The East Kilbride-based Conservative surveyed GPs across Lanarkshire after receiving complaints from constituents who find it too difficult to get appointments - and change doctors.
The vast majority who responded said patients don't have to call up first thing and can ask to be seen on days that suit them.
He also met with health board officials who said that two thirds of GP practices have returned to “traditional operations” following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Simpson said: “I have been very encouraged by the response to my survey of GP practices across Lanarkshire. This suggests that the picture is not as bad as I imagined.
“I have spoken in Parliament several times about my frustrations surrounding GP booking systems. The model where you have to phone at opening time is too restrictive and means that patients might not see their doctor, even when they need to.
“My own practice of nearly 30 years uses the same restrictive booking system so I shopped around and have managed to change my GP but not everyone is so lucky
“A lot of GP practices have gone back to the system where you don’t have to ring first thing to get a same-day appointment. This is better and much more flexible for patients.
“It’s been very useful to find out what the different working arrangements are at GP practices across my Central Scotland region. I welcome the fact that the majority of GP practices in my region appear to have changed their booking practices to make things more flexible for patients.
“However, there are still too many GP practices making it difficult for people to see their doctor and it should be easier to switch GPs if you’re not happy with the service.”
