LIB DEMS - EWAN McROBERT

Our population is growing but we aren’t seeing an increase in GP numbers. This is why it’s so hard to get an appointment at many of East Kilbride’s surgeries.

A lack of doctors is also the reason for the closure of the out of hours GP service at Hairmyres hospital.

Healthcare is devolved and the responsibility of the Scottish Government. It is clear the SNP are making a mess of staffing the NHS.

As a result of cutting the number of student nurse places at universities, we now have a shortage of 4000 nurses.

Staff shortages in Scotland’s health service are at their worst level in 12 years.

Brexit will make this situation worse, as it will be much more difficult to recruit doctors and nurses from the EU. We also risk losing the EU staff already working for the NHS, who may no longer feel welcome.

As an MP, I would have no direct influence over healthcare in Scotland but I would help the NHS by fighting to remain in the EU.

Brexiteers say leaving the EU would give us the opportunity for a trade deal with the US.

Trade deals normally mean aligning standards.

Accepting America’s lower food standards would mean more food poisoning. It’s estimated it could cost the NHS £1billion every year.

Furthermore, medicines are currently regulated on an EU-wide basis. In a post-Brexit world where we go it alone, it seems likely that pharmaceutical companies would focus on getting new medicines approved in the larger European market first, leaving the UK waiting longer.

I also oppose Independence. Scotland’s senior civil servant has warned an independence referendum would require “de-prioritising” everything else. Another poll would distract the Scottish government from fixing the NHS.