Swinney promises to resolve GP appointment issues in NHS

In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney unveiled a new programme for government aimed at addressing the challenges facing the National Health Service (NHS) as part of his legislative goals for the final year of the current Scottish Parliament term. This announcement was made just days ahead of the upcoming Holyrood election scheduled for May 2026. Swinney emphasized the need to increase the health service's capacity to tackle what he has described as the GP appointment 'lottery,' a situation in which citizens struggle to secure timely appointments with general practitioners. His comments came following public concern and criticism regarding the state of healthcare access in Scotland. The programme for government sets out the key policy and legislative objectives for the coming year, with a strong focus on healthcare issues. During his visit to Newfield Medical Group in Dundee, Swinney remarked that his administration will take significant action to enhance the NHS’s ability to meet public needs effectively. Increasing the capacity of the health service is seen as critical to alleviating pressure on the system and improving access for patients, allowing them to receive necessary care when required. Despite these pledges, opposition parties have expressed skepticism. The Scottish Labour party has pointed to what they perceive as a record of broken promises by the SNP government, highlighting failures across various sectors including health and education. Similarly, the Scottish Conservatives have called for the administration to shift focus from what they term 'fringe obsessions' and prioritize mainstream issues that affect everyday Scots, advocating for immediate action on pressing matters such as NHS waiting times, road repairs, and classroom safety. Additionally, in a broader political context, the timing of Swinney's remarks is noteworthy. It suggests an urgency to deliver on key priorities to gain public support ahead of the election. Furthermore, significant proposals regarding the criminalization of misogyny and conversion therapy, which had been anticipated to be included in the legislative agenda, were quietly shelved, leaving many, including the Scottish Green party, disappointed. This withdrawal of controversial legislation indicates the complexities and competing interests that govern the political landscape in Scotland. As the election approaches, Swinney’s administration is under pressure to demonstrate results and convince voters of their effectiveness in addressing the ongoing challenges facing the NHS.