MSPs asked to back review to boost rural healthcare

MSPS have been asked to back a review of the way doctors are trained to ensure enough surgeons to staff remote hospitals.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) asked the politicians to sign a pledge aimed at protecting hospital services in rural communities.

The pledge said a review of the way medical staff are recruited, trained and encouraged to develop their careers is needed to ensure all patients have reasonable access to treatment.

Without surgical care in remote spots, surgeons warn women face moving to the mainland for weeks before giving birth and patients with stomach pain may have to be flown or driven to hospitals.

RCSEd President Mr Michael Lavelle-Jones said: “With the engagement of this group of MSPs, I hope the issue can now be taken forward within the Scottish Parliament.”

Kate Forbes, who is the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: “The report reaffirmed to me the importance of a tailored focus to rural surgery working alongside the current urbancentred plan on surgical delivery.”