The focus in Scotland must be on “ensuring our NHS is sustainable for future generations” Dr Peter Bennie, chair of the BMA in Scotland, urged.
In his Christmas message, published today, Bennie said the greatest gift for the next generation will be to secure the future sustainability of Scotland’s health service.
The annual NHS Scotland survey published earlier this month showed that 89% of NHS staff feel they are willing to go the ‘extra mile’ at work when required. While this is exceptional from staff, it is “not acceptable or reliable,” he said.
In the face of retiring GPs, unfilled vacancy/trainee posts, and a funding gap, “how we respond is critical,” he added.
“Integration of health and social care is one of the major reforms facing health care delivery next year but again Audit Scotland has expressed its concerns about the progress of that implementation. The public will want to know that finite resources are being used in a way that optimises patient care and outcomes and their ability to access services.”
He said that: “The funding gap faced by the NHS set against rising demand and the impact of increasing consultant, specialty doctor and GP vacancies and unfilled trainee posts cannot be ignored and we must establish ways to make Scotland’s NHS a more attractive place to work.”
