'NHS services across Scotland are feeling the pressure of a population that is expanding and ageing at the same time and dealing with these two different challenges will define the success of our NHS over the coming years.

In Fife it has never been more difficult to get an appointment to see your GP. Waiting lists are getting longer whilst resources are being stretched thin. Delivering efficient general practice services will therefore require either an increase in funding, resulting in more doctors to share the workload or more innovative ways of making the most of current resources.

Doctors surgeries across Scotland and Fife are struggling to fill vacant posts which is hugely concerning and underlines some fundamental challenges local health services face. Throwing money at GP recruitment can only go so far, however it would appear as though GP services are critically underfunded. I would like to see a minimum of 10% of our healthcare budget make its way to general practice, with a new investment plan produced alongside the 2017/18 draft budget. On a national level there is a serious shortage in the number of doctors being trained and when coupled with a lack of enthusiasm for a career in general practice, shortages ensue. Increasing the intake of students studying medicine is important as is our ability to retain this talent in Scotland once they have graduated.

Until these challenges can be met, GP shortages will only continue to get worse leaving many patients feeling the pinch of longer waiting lists and doctors feeling the strain of almost unmanageable caseloads.

The majority of GP appointments are to deal with minor ailments that often only require either painkillers or a moderate dose of antibiotics. Freeing up GP's time to deal with more serious conditions could help ensure that patients are seen more quickly. Researchers have estimated that one in ten GP consultations and one in twenty A and E attendances could have been managed by a community pharmacist utilising the minor ailment service. Popping into your local boots and having a chat with your pharmacist before being offered a prescription, would not only free up GP time, but also be far more convenient for patients. Pharmacist's have a wealth of knowledge that is currently under-utilised and this model has already demonstrated considerable success in the USA and other parts of the U.K. The Scottish Conservatives would like to see an expansion of the minor ailments service, with an additional ten million pounds of funding, a broader eligibility criteria and a public awareness campaign to make more patients aware of its existence.

Solving our GP problems will not be easy, but it starts with targeted funding and a commitment to make best use of current resources. Right now, neither is happening. Only the Scottish Government can turn this around and it is high time they did so.'