GP industrial action ‘not in anyone’s interest’, Scottish health secretary tells Pulse conference
Exclusive GPs taking industrial action is ‘not in anyone’s interest’, the Scottish health secretary has told Pulse LIVE Glasgow.
Addressing delegates at the one-day conference, Neil Gray also praised ‘constructive’ talks with GPs amid the ongoing dispute with the profession.
BMA Scotland’s GP Committee informed the minister they had entered formal dispute in June this year, following ‘years of disinvestment in general practice’.
And, last year, Scotland’s LMCs backed a motion to ballot Scotland’s GPs on industrial action.
But, addressing Pulse LIVE Glasgow, Mr Gray said the Government was in ‘active discussions’ with the BMA about the ongoing dispute.
‘In terms of the ongoing dialogue, I would stress that I am grateful for the constructive discussions we have held so far – as I do not believe industrial action is in anyone’s interests.
‘I want to assure you that we are listening carefully to the views of GPs, and we are committed to increasing investment in primary and community care.’
Mr Gray stressed he takes ‘great pride’ in his role as health secretary and pledged to GP delegates that he is ‘determined to continue strengthening and stabilising general practice’.
‘The First Minister and I are clear that our healthcare system depends on strong general practice,’ he said.
He also praised the work of the Scottish Deep End project, which was also featured at Pulse LIVE Glasgow, with a speech from its co-founder Professor Stewart Mercer.
Highlighting prevailing health inequalities in Scotland, Mr Gray said: ‘Many of you provide us with frontline expertise to help us tackle these challenges, as individual clinicians or through forums like the Deep End group.’
However, Professor Mercer’s speech pointed out that since the work of the Deep End project started more than 15 years ago, the proportion of NHS funding going to general practice has actually decreased and is ‘going in the wrong direction’.
The Scottish health secretary also moved to reassure delegates of his commitment to developing the GP workforce.
Mr Gray said: ‘We want to ensure that becoming a GP continues to be an attractive career choice. You are essential to the delivery of high quality, sustainable general practice services, and we remain fully committed to increasing the number and capacity of GPs in the short, medium and long term.’
Pulse has contacted BMA Scotland for comment.
Earlier this month, the union said it had received an offer from the Government which could either bring their dispute over GP underfunding to a close or result in a ballot of the profession.
The next Pulse LIVE is due to take place in Belfast on 6 November, followed by Pulse LIVE Liverpool on 18 November.
It will be the first time the popular GP conference will visit Northern Ireland, with a packed line-up featuring the leadership of the GMC; and the Northern Irish RCGP chair.
