Bathgate MP Urges Immediate Action on Primary Care Crisis

The primary care services in West Lothian are facing a significant challenge, as Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan has raised concerns over inadequate investment in the sector. In a recent meeting with Armadale and Blackridge councillor Susan Manion, both officials voiced their alarm regarding the Barbauchlaw Medical Practice, which is experiencing a critical shortage of space. This situation threatens the delivery of essential healthcare services to thousands of local residents.

Growing Demand and Overwhelmed Infrastructure

The Barbauchlaw Medical Practice serves a rapidly expanding population across Armadale and Blackridge, with projections indicating that West Lothian’s population could increase by 8 percent by 2033/34. Currently, the practice has a patient list that has surged to 17,000, of which 13,200 are from Armadale alone. Despite attempts to maximize the available space, the GP practice is now functioning beyond its full capacity.

Recent housing developments in the area are anticipated to exacerbate the strain on already overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure. Kirsteen Sullivan expressed her concerns about the implications of this crisis, stating, “This is not just a logistical issue with a building, it’s a public health concern. I have been contacted by constituents who have encountered problems in accessing care with this GP practice as a result of the space issue. The community deserves better.”

Call for Action from Health Officials

In light of these pressing issues, Sullivan and Manion are calling on Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, to engage with them in discussions regarding potential solutions. They are particularly interested in understanding when capital spending restrictions on NHS primary care facilities will be lifted, as these limitations hinder necessary investments in expanding healthcare services.

This collaborative effort underscores the urgency of addressing the healthcare needs in the Armadale and Blackridge ward. As local officials work to bring attention to the situation, the hope is that timely interventions can prevent the healthcare crisis from escalating further.