Meetings regarding walk-in GP centres: FOI release

Information requested

“In accordance with The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, please provide the following information:

1) How many meetings were held on walk-in GP centres by the Scottish Government prior to them being announced by the First Minister on the 13th October 2025?

2) How many meetings were held by the Scottish Government on walk-in GP centres with any of the following professional and representative bodies prior to them being announced by the First Minister on the 13th October 2025:

a) Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Scotland.
b) British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland.
c) Local Medical Committees (LMCs).

3) Can you provide me with the minutes from all meetings on walk-in GP centres prior to them being announced (if applicable).

Response

In the normal course of policy development meetings routinely take place which may cover a range of topics . Scottish Government are unable to put an exact figure on the total number of meetings held prior to the First Minister’s announcement.

Scottish Government did not meet with the Royal College of General Practitioners, Local Medical Committees or the BMA to specifically discuss walk in GP centres prior to the First Minister’s announcement.

In a meeting about ongoing GP negotiations with representatives of the Scottish GP committee of the BMA on 12 October 2025, the Cabinet Secretary discussed GP walk in services as part of this meeting.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the minutes from the meetings you have requested because exemptions apply.

Section 30(b) - free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views - Information is exempt under section 30(b)(ii) if disclosure would, or would be likely to inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.