Meeting of the Parliament 03 December 2014
The cabinet secretary has just stolen a bit of my speech.
It is vital that integration move forward, in relation to not just doctors but to AHPs and nurses of all grades, local authorities and third sector organisations that provide much of the care within communities, so that patients can experience relatively seamless transitions between levels of care as they progress through life. To make that a reality, all interested parties will have to come together, forget their professional and cultural differences and work towards achieving a long-term effective plan to secure the future of Scotland’s NHS.
The previous health secretary was very keen to progress in that way and was particularly keen to involve politicians from all sides in moving forward—as evidenced, for example, by the Scottish Government’s welcome investment in 500 extra health visitors. That is a group of health professionals who are greatly valued by my party and we would seek to have even more of them. Therefore, I am pleased that the cabinet secretary has indicated that she will perhaps follow in the previous health secretary’s footsteps in that regard. If so, she can be assured of our support and involvement in pursuit of a sustainable and high-quality NHS for Scotland.
I move amendment S4M-11766.2, to leave out from “falling standards” to end and insert:
“; considers that, for the successful integration of health and social care, there needs to be a clear focus on primary care, including allied health professionals and the third sector, and on the interrelationships between the health and social care professionals; further notes Audit Scotland’s call for a major overhaul in the running of the NHS to cope with future needs, particularly those of an ageing population, and calls on the Scottish Government to work urgently and constructively with all parties to achieve a long-term effective plan to secure the future of Scotland’s NHS.”
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.