The rise in
A&E consultants working in Scotland’s NHS has been welcomed as a
“significant step in the right direction” by the College of
Emergency Medicine (CEM) yesterday.
The rise in senior
front-line staff is one example of the positive changes brought about through
joint work between Scottish Government and the CEM.
The comments come
ahead of the next meeting between Health Secretary Alex Neil and the CEM, which
is due to take place in June.
Mr Neil has
pledged to use the meeting to discuss the CEM’s 10 point plan for
emergency medicine including the recruitment of consultants, evening and
weekend working and progress from the seven day task group recently launched by
Mr Neil.
Mr Neil said:
“The fact that our A&E departments have more consultants, 18 of which
are a direct result of our A&E action plan, is testimony to how seriously
we are about supporting our NHS to improve emergency services.
“It also
shows what can be achieved through joint working with NHS boards and other key
stakeholders, like the College of Emergency Medicine.
“I would
like to thank the College for continuing to share their valuable insight with
us and support our work to ensure we have the best system possible.
“By
supporting our investment in, and commitment to, Emergency Medicine in Scotland
the College is helping to us to make real progress, like additional
staff.
“It should
go without saying that the other group we need to thank is our NHS staff,
however I am clear that we must never forget to acknowledge our staff.
“Through the never failing commitment of our staff we are seeing the
improvements to unscheduled care for patients across Scotland.
“Of course I
know that there are still further challenges ahead of us. The CEM’s 10
point plan is an important document that needs serious consideration. That is
why I will be discussing it with them in detail at our meeting in June and I
hope we can continue to build on the progress already made.”
Dr Jason Long,
College of Emergency Medicine Scotland Chair said:
“Through the
joint work between Scottish Government and the College of Emergency Medicine
the number of emergency medicine consultants across Scotland has increased
significantly over the last few years.
“Both
parties recognise there is much more work to be done, but acknowledge this is a
very significant step in the right direction. Joint action is being pursued to
address the ten points raised by the CEM Scottish Board yesterday through the
continuing work of the unscheduled care expert group."
The increased
pressure on emergency medicine is not unique to Scotland. A&E departments
right across the UK are facing the challenge of treating more people with more
complex health issue. The Scottish Government launched a £50 million
Unscheduled Care Action Plan in February 2013 to tackle the issue – a
step that hasn’t been taken in other areas of the UK.
Background
There has been
121.2 per cent increase in A&E consultants (91.8 WTE more, from 75.8 to
167.6) since 2007. This includes 18 A&E consultants recruited under the
three year unscheduled care action plan.