Plans to introduce new walk-in healthcare services across Ayrshire have received a favourable response from the Scottish Government.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran has submitted proposals for a hybrid primary care walk-in service, potentially including treatment and advice delivered through community pharmacies. The proposals form part of a Scottish Government programme to expand access to walk-in primary care.
Proposals and Early Response
A report presented to the NHS board revealed that an expression of interest was made in early August 2026 following consultation and engagement across local health and care services. Scottish Government officials and ministers considered the proposals and indicated a favourable outcome that month.
A steering group has since been established to oversee the development of the pilot. The next stage involves preparing an eight-month phased implementation plan covering staffing, clinical governance, information technology, buildings and facilities.
Service Aims and Evaluation
The report, prepared by Erik Sutherland, Acting Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care, states that the proposed service would test alternative ways of providing walk-in primary care, including community pharmacy models. The aim is to improve access to healthcare while assessing how different approaches perform in practice.
The health board says data on patient use, outcomes and cost-effectiveness will be collected as part of the evaluation. The proposals could offer additional face-to-face healthcare options outside traditional GP surgery arrangements.
Potential Benefits and Next Steps
The report identifies potential benefits for people who work during normal office hours, unpaid carers and people who may find it difficult to access existing services. It also highlights the importance of choosing locations carefully to avoid worsening health inequalities.
The report states that NHS Ayrshire & Arran is awaiting information from the Scottish Government about the budget allocated to the walk-in service. Further work is being undertaken nationally to develop a standard specification for pharmacy-based walk-in services.
The Ayrshire steering group will oversee delivery timescales, financial arrangements, clinical standards and the development of referral pathways. It will also work with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS 24 as the proposals progress.
The health board says an equality impact assessment will be produced. Further details will be required before it is clear where patients will be able to access the new services and when they will begin operating.
