A MAJOR plan to secure the future of GP services in Dumfries and Galloway has been approved, marking the conclusion of an extensive review of General Medical Services (GMS).
The programme, directed by Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board, sets out how general practice will be supported to remain sustainable, resilient and central to healthcare across the region.
Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation David Rowland said the plan represents a significant step forward following more than a year of detailed engagement, analysis and planning.
Mr Rowland said: “General practice is the bedrock of the NHS, and this work reflects the importance the Integration Joint Board places on General Medical Services at the heart of health and social care.
“We have taken the opportunity to shine a light on general practice, recognising both the pressures it faces and the critical role it plays, and this provides a clear and practical route to support its future.
“The focus now is on turning that shared vision into delivery, in a way that reflects the realities facing services and the needs of our communities.”
The review, launched in December 2024, brought together the views of GP practices, staff, partners and communities, alongside detailed analysis of the pressures facing services. It identified key challenges including workforce sustainability, rising demand, digital infrastructure, premises and variation in access and delivery.
From April 2026, a Delivery Plan will begin to be implemented, setting out priority actions for the first year. These include improving how patients access services and information, strengthening links between GP practices and other parts of the system, and developing more consistent approaches to referrals and care pathways.
Further priorities include strengthening digital systems and data, improving recruitment and retention across primary care teams, and ensuring multidisciplinary staff are better aligned to support GPs – both in meeting the needs of patients and helping to reduce workload pressures.
Plans are also in place to support premises development, improve resilience across practices, and provide clearer roles, training pathways and support for staff.
Board members heard the approach has been designed to be realistic and deliverable within current financial and workforce pressures, while laying the foundations for longer-term transformation.
The review has been underpinned by a strong focus on equity, integration and sustainability, with ongoing engagement ensuring the voices of patients, staff and communities have helped shape the final plan.
Mr Rowland added: “This has been a significant piece of work, and I want to thank all of the GP practices, partners, stakeholders and members of the public who have contributed throughout the process.
“That collective input has helped shape a plan which not only reflects the challenges we face, but also provides a positive opportunity to develop services in a way that meets the needs of our communities now and into the future.
“Now, the work begins alongside partners in primary care to take forward these priorities and make them a reality.”
The Integration Joint Board was told that moving into delivery marks an important transition, with Chief Officer Gareth Marr now taking on the role of Senior Responsible Officer for implementation – reinforcing the importance of General Medical Services and ensuring strong leadership and accountability as the plan is taken forward.