Scottish GP practices are to be boosted with £82.6 million of funding to help deal with winter pressures, the health secretary has announced.
The money which is to be shared out across health boards will be spent on expanding teams at practices and modernising systems.
Other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and nurses will be increased at practices, giving GPs more time to focus on complex diagnosis, such as suspected cancer cases.
Telephone systems in practices will also be upgraded to reduce call-waiting times for patients.
The investment is the final allocation of the four-year fund under the 2018 GP Contract to health boards ensure that all patients get the support they need from an extended community healthcare team.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "The NHS is facing the biggest challenge this winter and this investment will have real benefits for both patients and frontline staff."
"GP surgeries provide a wide range of services, supporting both the physical and mental health of patients.
"The contribution general practice makes to the health and wellbeing of communities is invaluable.
"This funding will improve how general practice services are delivered and, in turn, enhance the patients' experience of accessing care.
"We have now delivered every penny we committed to health boards and GPs as part of our ongoing commitment to help support practices deliver care.
Dr Andrew Buist, chair of BMA Scotland's GP committee, said: "Things continue to be really tough for GPs and teams working in practices across Scotland.
"We need help to cope with demand - both while the pandemic continues and looking longer term, including as restrictions begin to ease following the Omicron wave.
"A crucial part of this is building the teams around GPs and ensuring there are the right skilled staff in place to ensure people are treated by the most appropriate professional, freeing up GPs' time to focus on the highest priority patients who need our time the most.
"This funding will make a crucial contribution in that sense, so it is very welcome and we hope it will make a real difference for practices and patients across Scotland."
