Rural access to LTC care out for consultation in Scotland

The Scottish Government is consulting on changes to the care of long-term conditions (LTCs), with a focus on excluded communities, including rural areas.

Launching the review, the Government says that healthcare should be most accessible to the people with the highest healthcare needs. Disproportionately affected communities include people living in more socio-economically deprived areas, minority ethnic groups and rural communities.

Predicting a 21 per cent increase in disease in Scotland over the next 20 years, with the largest increases coming from LTCs, the Government has suggested changes such as moving to a hybrid model of long-term care combining cross-cutting improvement work and condition-specific work.

Lack of continuity of GP care is described by patients as “exhausting”, particularly, the need to repeatedly explain medical history.

Consultation respondents are asked to suggest improvements in prevention, care or support for LTCs, including access, data sharing and services outside of medical care.

The consultation closes on Sunday 20 July 2025. Responses can be made online.

Political News Scotland