Doctors want more NHS staff after May election

DOCTORS are calling for safe staffing levels in NHS Scotland as a priority for the new Scottish Government after the May election.

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) set out its healthcare priorities for the new administration today, including calling for a portion control policy to be considered to complement the new sugar tax

he organisation wants improved workforce planning to address challenges in recruiting and retaining employees and warns the size and structure of the medical workforce must be re-assessed to account for an ageing population and trainee attrition rates.

Successful integration of health and social care to enable patients to be treated in the community is also a key priority.

RCPE President Professor Derek Bell said: “The needs of our patients and the NHS in Scotland are changing, and the new Scottish Government must work in partnership to address the health and wellbeing challenges that we face.

“Developing and implementing safe staffing levels across the NHS in Scotland must be a policy priority and will be an essential part of ensuring we can deliver high quality weekend and outof-hours care.

“It is also important we learn from previous failings in care to minimise the risk of recurrence. Part of this will be acknowledging and valuing the contribution of the healthcare workforce at all levels.

“As well as addressing workforce issues, we must continue to improve the wellbeing of the population. We know the causes and consequences of obesity and problems associated with alcohol and tobacco are significant.”