My recent trip to Edinburgh's Western General Hospital made me realise just how broken the NHS really is
Barrie Cunning will be forever indebted to the doctors and nurses who looked after him, but it was clear how over-stretched the system really was
Politicians often talk about the importance of the NHS, the issues and challenges it faces. Governments of all colours defend it on their watch, while opposition parties make the case for how they can manage it better. But if I’m honest, and I mean if I’m really honest, it isn’t until you really need the help of the NHS that you fully recognise and appreciate just how special it is.
Last weekend, I was admitted to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh after testing positive for diabetes. I will forever be indebted to the doctors and nurses as it could have been a lot worse and I would urge anyone reading this with symptoms of diabetes (excessive thirst, going to the toilet a lot, losing weight) to get a test. As they say, if in doubt, check it out.
During that lived experience of receiving treatment, it became clear to me that what I was seeing first-hand was a system that is overstretched and clearly at breaking point. However, in many respects, what was even more concerning was the number of young people I saw in the hospital, presumably being treated for diabetes or diabetes-related issues, some of whom were as young as seven. Just let that sink in for a moment, and think about the future health of the people of Scotland.
A dereliction of duty
I think it’s fair to say that the general public accepts there will always be issues associated with the NHS, but from a legacy perspective we should at the very least try to preserve the status quo, or rather the institution of the NHS. However, the reality is that the status quo isn’t fit for purpose and if it continues this way, it’s the people of Scotland that will pay the ultimate price.
Clearly, it doesn’t have to be this way. Politics is all about making choices, and the choices available to any government are: A, do something; B, do nothing; or C, manage the decline and hope it gets better. For me, options B and C would both represent a dereliction of duty for any progressive government.
As I have said before, and I will continue to make the case, what Scotland needs is a long-term plan underpinned by political consensus to address the long-standing issues associated with the NHS. Collaboration and forward planning are often-used political buzzwords.
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NHS ‘reserve unit’
But against a backdrop of an ageing population, increased migration, a lack of GP appointments, and a nation that has record sickness levels due to mental health issues, it’s vital that something is done to improve patient outcomes.
We need to take a holistic approach, and no idea should be off the table as we look to tackle this. One that could help is creating an NHS ‘reserve unit’, similar to the Army Reserve. Tax breaks and other incentives could be offered to people in the private sector who have relevant skills to join up and do some part-time work for the NHS, bolstering its capacity.
Whatever your views, whatever your politics, I think it’s fair to say that we all want a better healthcare system for the people of Scotland. It’s time to think big and make it happen.
Barrie Cunning is managing director of Pentland Communications, founder of Scotland 2050 and a former Scottish Labour candidate
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