The mounting crisis facing the NHS is one of the top concerns of voters across Scotland. Patients are struggling to get GP appointments and are waiting ages for appointments at hospitals.
The nightmare situation in A&E is another major factor. People are proud of the NHS but frustration is growing. The Daily Record today starts a week-long series into how the NHS finds itself in this position.
We look at the problems in GP surgeries, A&E and other parts of the system. We will also investigate the staffing crisis at the heart of this national emergency.
Put simply, Scotland does not have enough doctors and nurses in post. The staff currently working in the NHS are running on empty.
With the population ageing and the pressures on the NHS intensifying, the challenges will only get worse. Our special series will also look at solutions to help the country’s most cherished public services.
Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, told us that an army of 2000 Scots is required to plug massive gaps in local surgeries across Scotland.
Boosting staff numbers, which can only come with extra investment, is at the heart of the solution. Although the SNP-led Government is toiling, our series is not about heaping blame on one party.
We urge all politicians and stakeholders to come together to have a conversation about short and long-term solutions.
The NHS has its 75th birthday this year – let’s make sure the service has many more in the decades to come.
Don’t axe food for vulnerable kids
The Children’s Holiday Food Programme is a great scheme that provides healthy free meals for kids of all ages in school holidays.
About 16,000 children and young people in Glasgow benefit from an
initiative funded by the local authority and the Government.
So it is with dismay we report on plans by officials in Glasgow City Council that the programme could be scaled back.
The idea is to withdraw council funding and rely solely on Government money. This would have the effect of closing the doors in the October, February and Easter holidays – a hammer blow to Glasgow’s children.
We don’t underestimate the challenges faced by councils as a result of the Government’s local authority settlement.
The fact all council leaders, including SNP ones, have written to the Government warning of financial problems and job cuts speaks volumes.
But cutting the CHFP isn’t the solution. Officials should take this proposal off the table and produce less damaging ideas.
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