Scottish Government Debate: A Vision for Health and Social Care in Scotland

Neil Gray S6M-13466 That the Parliament recognises the urgent and critical need for health and social care reform within the context of an ageing population, persistent health inequalities and fiscal pressures, whilst ensuring that the founding principle that the NHS in Scotland remains in the hands of the public and is free at the point of use will not change; agrees that reform must focus on a more sustainable healthcare system, performance improvement, prevention, providing quality services and maximising access, with a foundation of due consideration for the people at the heart of Scotland's health and social care services, including the workforce; recognises the importance of continuing to invest in mental health and GP services, including the investment of £190 million in 2024-25 for multi-disciplinary teams to support general practice and the new support for protected learning time in GP practices, and supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to a national engagement that will inform and inspire the reform programme. Sandesh Gulhane S6M-13466.2 As an amendment to motion S6M-13466 in the name of Neil Gray (A Vision for Health and Social Care in Scotland), leave out from second “, including” to end and insert “; notes with concern that the Scottish Government has frozen all major NHS project investment for two years and that, for waiting lists to be cut, construction on these projects must resume immediately; further notes that the Scottish Government’s A&E target has not been met in almost four years and that its 62-day cancer referral standard has not been met in over a decade; notes with alarm that one in seven people in Scotland are now on an NHS waiting list, and that the Scottish Government has failed to meet its targets to end long waits for treatment; requests that the Scottish Government reconsider its plans for a National Care Service, which will only serve to take power away from local authorities, and will not address the underlying issues in social care; reminds the Scottish Government that, since it promised to end delayed discharge seven years ago, successive health secretaries have failed to do so, and emphasises that any reform of health and social care must address the issues listed above as a matter of urgency and incorporate modern, efficient and local solutions into the health service.”