Deacon makes doctor morale pledge

Morale within the profession is said to be low

Scottish Health Minister Susan Deacon has promised to address the "morale problem" among doctors.

But the minister said a decision had yet to be taken on how a £200m Budget windfall will be spent.

In a letter to the Scottish General Practitioners' Committee (SGPC), Ms Deacon said she was aware of the difficulties faced by the profession and was committed to addressing its concerns.

Her comments were welcomed by the SGPC who said the problem had to be addressed.

Susan Deacon: Keen to act on concerns

Ms Deacon said: "I agree that this requires a concerted effort to recognise and support the work of GPs, practice staff and other primary care professionals, to reduce the pressures and to free up the time of GPs for direct patient care.

"And to ensure that additional investment going in to NHS Scotland is deployed to maximum effect in the primary care sector."

The minister added active work was required to "recruit and retain" health professionals.

She confirmed the centrepiece of this would be a review of medical workforce planning in response to concerns raised by the British Medical Association and the Royal medical colleges.

Ms Deacon said the Scottish Executive was committed to increasing the number of doctors and nurses and that an additional £411m has been allocated to the health budget this year.

Dr Kenneth Harden, SGPC chairman, welcomed Ms Deacon's statement.

Facing the challenge

He said: "The minister's recognition that urgent action is needed to address low GP morale in order to improve primary care in Scotland is very welcome.

"The low levels of morale, brought on by under resourcing, increasing bureaucracy and a lack of time to treat patients, has been a handicap on improving patient care."

Dr Harden added: "The challenge now is to turn the political will demonstrated by the minister today into practical improvements in primary care.

"The recent announcement by the Chancellor of an extra £200m for Scotland means there are immediate opportunities to address the urgent recruitment and retention problems in general practice."

A recent SGPC survey revealed increased GP workload, increased bureaucracy and a lack of resources to meet increased expectations have left GPs "badly demoralised".