McArthur welcomes First Minister’s NHS 24 commitment

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has secured a commitment from the First Minister that the impact of NHS 24 staff shortages on rural and island areas will be assessed in the Scottish Government’s review of out-of-hours medical care.

Mr McArthur raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions yesterday, following recent warnings by NHS 24 medical director, Professor George Crooks, that the service is suffering under a weight of staff shortages and absenteeism at a time when demand for those services is than ever.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said: “The warnings this week from NHS 24’s Medical Director are stark.  Staff shortages and absenteeism are putting real pressure on the service and its ability to deliver out of hours provision across the country.

“At the same time, it is generally acknowledged that recruitment of GPs has proved particularly problematic in rural and island areas.  This, in turn, may mean that these communities have become more reliant on NHS 24 services over recent years.

“I welcome the commitment from the First Minister today to look at this issue specifically as part of the review of out of hours services.  The pressures facing NHS 24 are of concern to people across Scotland, but it is right that Ministers look at the particular risks posed to patients in Orkney and other island and rural communities.

“In the meantime, I will be taking up Ms Sturgeon’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss this matter in more detail.”