In Holyrood last Wednesday morning, the Health, Care and Sport Committee held one of a number of evidence-gathering meetings aimed at preparing them for their work during this 7th Sottish Parliament, under the heading “Overview of key issues in the health sector in Scotland”.
They heard from and questioned 3 groups of representatives: services planning and management; service delivery staff; and patient & 3rd sector bodies.
The third group included Janet Sylvester from #MEAction Scotland and Long Covid Scotland‘s Stuart McIver (in person) and Jane Ormerod (remotely). Unfortunately, the other representatives had not stayed at the meeting to hear their presentations (though briefing notes were circulated beforehand).
However, when questioning the administration representatives earlier, Committee Chair, Helen McDade – Reform, Mid Scotland and Fife (Region) – questioned them on two practical issues not addressed in their rehearsing of general policies – the paucity of long term conditions provision policy, and the lack of management of the Health and Care Services ‘estate'.
We have heard before about all the issues she raised, but it is clear that they can't grasp the simple issue that the only way you can get the most out of limited resources is to be as efficient as possible, prioritising developing understanding and practice to provide the best diagnosis, treatment and support as quickly as possible. Trying to find a common base for practice which appears to suit administration priorities further aggravates the problems faced by health and care services.
Listen to the Committee Meeting:
Adam (aka Broken Battery) has edited a 35 minute compilation of segments from the full 210 minute official recording of the meeting.