Overview

• The proposed centres would open noon to 8 p.m. seven days a week, be staffed by GPs and nurses, and allow patients to attend without booking.
• The government says the first site will open within 12 months, with 15 pilots launched to test the approach.
• Officials have not set out full costs, locations or a detailed timetable, though PA reported an estimated £30 million for the initial 15 sites, which ministers have not confirmed.
• RCGP Scotland and the BMA’s Scottish GP committee warned the model could fragment care, strain limited GP capacity and offer poor value for money.
• Swinney framed the initiative as a 2026 election pledge to end the 8 a.m. appointment rush, as official projections indicate a shortfall of about 700 GP roles by 2027.