12 priorities to improve patient care and health outcomes
In advance of the 2011 Scottish elections, the RCPE has produced
a document setting out 12 key priorities that our members believe
should be the health goals of an incoming Government, to ensure
safe, patient-centred medical care of the highest quality and improved
public health.
To produce the document we surveyed our Fellows and Members, drawing
on their specialist opinions and advice.
The current financial constraints present a challenge for an incoming
Government, particularly in the face of increased demand for medical
care driven by an ageing population, medical advances and limitations
on working hours since the implementation of the European Working
Time Regulations.
Our principal concern is that Scotland is in danger
of creating a generation of inadequately trained doctors and
therefore compromising patient safety unless urgent action is
taken. To restore the balance between service provision
and training, we are calling for training time to be protected
and properly considered when planning future medical trainee
and consultant numbers.
The RCPE is also concerned that patient access to consultant-delivered
care is in jeopardy. More flexible working patterns and improved
workforce planning are essential to tackle this issue.
“It is essential that we safeguard the future ability of
the NHS Scotland to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. We
need to ensure an adequately planned, trained and resourced medical
workforce. Failure to do so will compromise patient safety.”
Dr Neil Dewhurst, President RCPE
In addition, Scotland’s public health challenges are many,
with the NHS facing a ‘disease burden determined by the choices
people’ make in eating poorly, being inactive, smoking and
drinking at unsafe levels. [1]
The RCPE urges all political parties, candidates and Government
to consider the priorities for healthcare set out in this document
as they determine the healthcare agenda for Scotland. |
