general practice

The Scottish government said it has increased investment in general practice and is determined to increase the number of GPs in Scotland.

Dr Morrison claimed that unless the £290m funding gap is addressed then general practice is "at risk of failing", adding: "We provide 90% of patient contact and without general practice, the NHS simply cannot survive."

Carolyn Chew-Graham, a GP and professor of general practice research at Keele University, says those who are acutely unwell will be picked up quickly by crisis teams but those with "less florid manic episodes" can miss out on referral to specialists for diagnosis.

Five years ago, Steel City General Practice analysed the data for 10,000 of their patients who needed the most help.

The Scottish government says it is taking steps to provide additional resources to general practice.