HEALTH: JOHNSTONE WELCOMES BMA PRIORITIES
Alison Johnstone MSP, health and wellbeing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (5 Nov) welcomed the publication by the British Medical Association of its 2016 manifesto, in which it calls for action to fill vacant NHS posts, and preventative measures such as free fruit and vegetables in primary schools.
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said:
"In recent weeks the challenge facing our NHS has become clear, with an Audit Scotland report saying we need to pick up the pace on preventative spending and community-centred care if we are to meet rising demand and increased costs. Recent statistics on A&E waiting times in areas such as Lothian, and figures on children's dental health and mental wellbeing underline the importance of investing in a healthy society where everyone can live well.
"The BMA are right to prioritise recruitment and retention of doctors and prevention of ill-health. These are clear priorities for the Scottish Greens, as we see the benefits of investing in good health now to ease the pressure on the system downstream. We will continue to press this case in the forthcoming Scottish budget."