SCOTLAND’S EMERGENCY DOCTORS IN PARLIAMENT
This Tuesday (4 February) South Scotland MSP Emma Harper will host a Scottish Parliament reception to acknowledge and discuss the vital work of Scotland’s Emergency Medicine Department doctors.
The event offers MSPs information on essential facts to inform future debates concerning Emergency Departments and unscheduled care in Scotland.
Speakers at the event include The Vice-President of the Royal College of Emergency, Medicine and A&E Consultant with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Dr David Chung, along with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman MSP, and Emma Harper MSP – Deputy Convenor of the Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee and former nurse with over 30 years’ experience.
Scotland’s Emergency Departments consistently outperform those of all other UK nations and all staff do amazing work day in and day out. However, there are also challenges with increasing demand on services and there is a need for wider education of the public on when is the most appropriate time to go to A&E – which should always be a last resort.
The event will talk MSPs and invited guests through the patient journey in an A&E Department and will focus on what needs to be done to utilise our emergency departments and to help signpost the public to other and more appropriate services such as the pharmacy or other allied health professionals.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“I am pleased to sponsor the first Royal College of Emergency Medicine Reception in the Scottish Parliament. All our emergency room doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals do fantastic work every day, and as a result our emergency departments have outperformed those of other parts of the UK in recent years.
“Of course, I recognise that there are several challenges facing our emergency departments, including an increased demand for services. Therefore, it is so important that MSPs and the public are informed about when is appropriate to use an A&E Department and when to utilise other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and physio therapists.
“I look forward to the event and would be more than happy to speak to any constituent interested or who is looking for any advice or support.”
Dr David Chung, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said;
“Scotland has come a long way in transforming the health and social care system. We’ve consistently outperformed our UK counterparts, but in recent years Scotland has not been able to sustain this level of service for patients.
“To become the envy of the UK once again, it is important for all parties to work together towards this goal. I would like to thank Emma Harper MSP for supporting the work of RCEM Scotland and kindly sponsoring our reception in the Scottish Parliament.”
Scotland has come a long way in transforming the health and social care system. The country has consistently outperformed UK counterparts, but could slowly sink to the same level without collaboration to address the challenges and keep Scotland on top.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine of Scotland Parliamentary Reception will take place on Tuesday 4 February 2020 18:00-20:00, The Fleming Room, Scottish Parliament
