Dr John Budd

GP

Edinburgh Access Practice (EAP)

I have been working as a GP with the Access Practice since 2006. We are a GP practice providing a range of health care services for homeless people in Edinburgh, in partnership with social work and housing colleagues. Previously I worked as a GP in Muirhouse, in north-west Edinburgh, and I was involved there in setting up a clinic for people with drug problems. 20 years ago I worked as a rural community doctor in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and before that I completed an MSc in African studies.

I have been involved with DIG for some 15 years. We are a group of health care workers – mainly GPs – focused on trying to tackle inequalities in health. Our aim is to promote high quality primary care for communities experiencing high levels of multiple-deprivation, along with other socially excluded groups.

I am chair of the board of trustees for North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre (NEDAC), which is a local charity offering support to vulnerable people with substance use and mental health related problems. I am also a steering group member for the Deep End project and on the board of trustees for the Scottish Drugs Forum.