Glasgow MSP Anne McLaughlin has welcomed the news, revealed Friday by Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing in a response to a parliamentary question, that 66 percent of GP practices in Glasgow have joined the Scottish Government's extended hours scheme since it began in April last year.

Commenting, Ms McLaughlin said: "I am delighted that two thirds of GP practices in Glasgow are, with the help of Scottish Government funds, providing early morning, evening or Saturday morning hours to their patients.  This funding compensates practices which offer extended hours, enabling patients to seek medical care without missing work and family commitments.

"A large majority of practices have adopted extended hours since last year and this number will surely increase.  Anything that makes seeing the doctor more convenient is a huge benefit to society as people will get more preventative care and problems will be treated early, improving public health and saving public money.  Overall productivity is increased as fewer work and school days are missed, and people who might have rarely seen a doctor have the opportunity to receive regular medical care.

"I congratulate the Scottish Government on this achievement and on other steps that have been taken to remove barriers to medical care, such as lowering the prescription cost and working to improve hospital cleanliness."