Your chance to quiz politicians

Doctors have the chance to quiz health spokespeople from the main political parties in Scotland at a ‘hustings’ event to be held in Edinburgh. BMA members will have the opportunity to put questions to candidates at the event on Thursday ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May. Health is almost entirely devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and is expected to be a key battleground in the run-up to the election. Doctors and medical students can ask the following candidates about their health policies: Health, well-being and sport secretary Shona Robison (Scottish National Party) Labour health spokesperson Jenny Marra Scottish Liberal Democrats health spokesperson Jim Hume Jackson Carlaw for the Conservatives Green MSP Alison Johnstone. BMA Scotland has already published its own manifesto asking politicians to take on board doctors’ views on the future of health policy. The document says politicians must face up to the reality of the urgent need to close the gap between constrained resources and rising demand, and that they must stop using the NHS as a political tool. Key points in the BMA Scotland manifesto: Address the funding shortfall for health Recruit, retain and value doctors Prioritise the clinical needs of patients Prevent ill-health and support self-management Support Scottish general practice. BMA members are invited to attend the hustings event. Those who are interested should email Helen ...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news