A new walk-in GP clinic is set to open in Dunoon this June, promising faster access to primary care for people across Cowal.
The Scottish Government has confirmed the town as one of 16 locations across Scotland to host the new-style clinics, which will offer on-the-day treatment for urgent health concerns without the need to book an appointment in advance.
The Dunoon clinic will operate seven days a week from 12pm to 8pm, allowing patients to see a GP or nurse for immediate issues while easing pressure on local surgeries and hospital A&E departments. It’s understood the clinic might operate from Dunoon Hospital, although there has been no official confirmation regarding its exact location.
The walk-in model is designed to deal with urgent, same-day needs — helping people who cannot wait for a routine appointment but do not require emergency hospital treatment.
Commenting on the announcement, Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto said: “The opening of a new walk-in GP clinic in Dunoon will be a total game-changer for people across Cowal — I’ve campaigned for one to come here and I know what a difference this will make to people in Cowal.
“The new clinic will ensure that people can see a GP quicker, without an appointment, and help ease pressures on GP practices and A&E departments.
“John Swinney’s strong leadership is focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland, and we are starting to see our NHS turn a corner with waiting times falling and GP walk-in centres popping up across the country.”
She added: “The Labour Party failed to back the budget which delivered this vital new service in Dunoon — they are more focused on scandal and division than delivering for Scotland.
“Anas Sarwar said he wants people to be able to see a GP within 48 hours, but with the SNP you can now see one immediately. That is what the leadership of John Swinney looks like, with the SNP always on Scotland’s side.
“While other parties focus on themselves, our focus will always be on delivering for the people of Scotland — that’s what’s on the ballot on 7th May.”
