The issue of doctor burnout is putting patient safety at risk in Scotland, as GPs are facing overwhelming workloads and lack of funding, according to Dr Sigi Joseph. Dr Joseph, an experienced GP who has trained numerous doctors over her 20-year career, highlighted that doctors are being forced to take on more work, longer hours, and cover shifts for each other, leading to exhaustion and jeopardizing patient safety. She emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to address this ongoing crisis.
The situation has been dire for the past five years, with mid-career doctors being particularly impacted by burnout, as they struggle to cope with the increasing workload and financial strain on surgeries. Dr Joseph pointed out that many practices cannot afford locums to provide cover, leading to doctors having to work longer hours without breaks. She also noted that issues such as an aging population, rising health inequality, and a decline in government funding have made the GP’s job extremely challenging.
A recent report by Audit Scotland revealed that the Scottish government has failed to meet targets to improve GP care, with fewer GPs in Scotland compared to previous years, despite more medical professionals qualifying as GPs. Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the challenges in increasing the number of GPs and stated the government’s commitment to reform primary care. He highlighted the substantial increase in funding for GP care, but noted the uncertainty created by the UK government’s decision to raise National Insurance contributions.
Opposition parties have criticized the SNP government for failing to adequately resource GPs, with Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson Jackie Baillie accusing the government of breaking promises on health funding. The Scottish Conservatives’ health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP described the GP crisis as the latest scandal under Neil Gray’s tenure as health secretary, emphasizing the need to prioritize patient care over bureaucratic processes in the health service
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
