GPs say they are being overlooked by politicians

More than 100 GPs gathered in Clydebank for a BMA Scotland conference.

Dr David Love, joint chair of the BMA's Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said general practice was "fundamental" to the health service.

The health minister denied GPs were being overlooked in the rush to meet NHS hospital targets.

Dr Love said: "The NHS is more than just hospital-based care.

"While general practice and hospitals cannot function without each other, there continues to be a narrow focus on hospital waiting times as a measure of performance of the NHS.

'Invaluable work'

"This fails to recognise the invaluable work undertaken in general practice and in the wider primary care setting."

He added: "With appropriate investment, GPs can deliver results and contribute towards reducing hospital admissions and the need to refer patients to hospital."

Health Minister Andy Kerr said GPs were "crucial" to delivering the services that local people value.

He said: "There are some 26.5 million face-to-face contacts between GPs, practice nurses and health visitors every year in Scotland - that's a staggering 3,000 every hour of every day.