Swinney's pledge of walk-in surgeries slated as 'slapdash'

THE First Minister's promise to create a new network of walk-in GP centres has been branded a “slapdash party political move’.

- BY KATRINE BUSSEY

John Swinney boasted at last month's SNP conference in Aberdeen that his government was to establish 15 such centres - which will be open seven days a week - across the country.

He told delegates: “They will break from the status quo. They will add to the care we already value. Staffed by GPs and nurses.

“And you won't need to call up for an appointment. That means more people can go after work - when it fits with their lives.”

However, it has since emerged that his Health Secretary Neil Gray only took part in one meeting about the move - the day before the First Minister's announcement.