A CAMPAIGNING politician is demanding improvements to GP services in Neilston.

Labour MSP Paul O’Kane has been contacted by Neilston Community Council about a lack of medical provision in the village, pressure on doctors and lack of space in surgeries to see patients.

The only GP practice there is the Neilston Medical Centre, which has four doctors.

And more housebuilding in the area has led to a rise in the local population, placing extra pressure on medical resources.

Mr O’Kane, who lives in Neilston and represents the village at Holyrood as part of his West Scotland remit, plans to raise the issue with Health Secretary Humza Yousaf in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.

“A thriving, well-supported local GP service is essential for a local community to have,” said Mr O’Kane. “I have always relied on my local GP service in Neilston.

“There are serious concerns about the physical space available for the surgery to see patients and the health board and Scottish Government must do more to fix the problem.

“The GPs in Neilston are first rate and they deserve long-term support from the Scottish Government so they can continue to deliver a great service.

“I will be asking Humza Yousaf about GP support, I will be echoing the concerns of Neilston Community Council in my question.”

Mr O’Kane said he will also challenge the minister on his promise to recruit 800 more GPs across Scotland by 2027.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The planning and delivery of GP services in Neilston is a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership. We will consider any request for capital funding to increase space through the established processes, should it be made by the health board.”