Speech from the Chairman of the Scottish Council
Dr John Garner
Wednesday 30 June 2004
This is my final speech to you as chairman of Scottish Council as I will be standing down next month. It has been my privilege to hold this position and represent the BMA for the past five years, particularly as Scotland has, during this time, established its own parliament and with that devolved powers for health.
I’m pleased to report that the BMA in Scotland is in good heart which is due principally to the dedicated staff in our three offices. I, and members throughout Scotland are extremely grateful to Bill O’Neill who has lead our team, ably supported by Donald Harley and Mairi McKenzie. In our public affairs office Gail Grant and Beatrice Kennedy have continued to achieve tremendous positive media exposure for the BMA and indeed all staff have worked effectively and efficiently for the organisation
I would wish to make special mention of my deputy chairman Peter Terry who has provided wise counsel, friendship and a few moments of anxiety but has been a tower of strength in his support of myself and the BMA. Thank you all
So has devolution worked? Since 1999 spending on health has increased by more than 3 billion. The NHS in Scotland has undergone reform, waiting times are falling and survival rates for many previously life threatening conditions have improved.
New contracts have been implemented for GPs and consultants and our staff and associate specialist colleagues are now forming relationships with the Scottish Executive with a view to their own contract negotiations.
The BMA has played a key role in the Scottish Parliament – in the last year we have given evidence to a range of parliamentary committees on a variety of subjects – health service reform, smoking, violence against health care staff, health spending and the impact of top up tuition fees on Scottish universities.
We have better relationships with ministers, their civil servants and politicians in all parties which has helped us enormously in getting to the position we are in now. I believe devolution has worked. Our health service is delivering for the people of Scotland and although we still have a long way to go, I think we have a brighter future ahead.
So as we look forward to the Scottish Parliament settling into its second term, in its brand new and rather expensive home at Holyrood, what is our vision for health in the future?
We have a unique opportunity north of the Border to lead the way in legislating for smoke free public places – a private members bill is currently passing through parliament and one major political party has this week come out in support of the BMA’s policy, at the same time as a Scottish Executive consultation seeking public views on a ban is also underway. I urge our country’s leaders not to falter and take decisive action to improve the public’s health. It is their role to protect the public health and one they must achieve.
But there is much more to do. We need more doctors, more nurses and better facilities in which to treat our patients. There is growing public unrest as local services are downgraded, but we need to convince the public that in some cases this is the right decision if patients are to continue to receive high quality care. Politicians must take decisions based on the safety of the care their constituents receive rather than diving into the media spotlight to save a Victorian building.
So there remains much to do. I know that my successor will undoubtedly rise to the challenge and maintain the BMA’s position of influence in Scotland.
Chairman I move