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Failure to fully fund pay uplift is deeply damaging to primary care

2 Feb 2023February 3, 2023

With inflation running at incredibly high levels, pay and the cost of living has been causing a great deal of concern for many people across Scotland. GPs and the various…

Scottish junior doctor ballot preparations continue at pace – get involved and sign up!

18 Jan 2023January 18, 2023

As the ballot of our English colleagues sees those ubiquitous orange envelopes hitting doormats south of the border, the preparations for Scotland’s ballot continue at pace. The Scottish Junior Doctors…

We need change to avoid perpetual crises and maintain an equitable, universal NHS

11 Jan 2023January 11, 2023

I want to start with a traditional happy new year wish to you, but right now it looks like it is not going to be a good one for Scotland,…

Christmas on the wards – what it’s like to work in our NHS in winter

24 Dec 2022December 23, 2022

Winter in the NHS has always been tough. I moved to Scotland 5 years ago, and each winter I’ve been here we’ve talked about it being the toughest winter the…

Getting BMA ballot ready in Scotland

As we head into the festive period, the preparations for BMA Scotland’s ballot of Scottish Junior Doctors are continuing at pace. We have kickstarted our campaign and secured BMA funds…

Pensions update – details of REC scheme revealed

22 Dec 2022December 22, 2022

Just this week, BMA Scotland revealed that the real vacancy rate amongst consultants in Scotland is above 14%. That’s more than double the official figures which still continue to leave…

Update for SAS doctors – new contracts

22 Dec 2022December 22, 2022

It’s been getting on for a month now since I updated you on the new SAS contracts – and the fact the profession had voted overwhelming in favour of accepting…

“We deserve better and are not worth 23.5% less than 2008”- full pay restoration

16 Dec 2022December 16, 2022

In 2022 the Scottish Government gets its doctors for 23.5% cheaper than it did in 2008. Away from the hospital corridor photo opportunities, the clapping on doorsteps and the public…

Power of your experiences will help us push for change

It’s been a wee while since I blogged to update you on the work we are doing at BMA Scotland on your behalf. That certainly doesn’t mean that there isn’t…

BMA Scotland plans to ballot junior Doctors on strike action

Fourteen years is a long time. For some doctors, it could be the culmination of a career path, from medical student to GP partner. For others it may be longer…

SLMC Conference – Dr Andrew Buist speech

2 Dec 2022December 2, 2022

Good morning conference. I am sure like me you agree, it is good to be back in person, here at the Golden Jubilee. It’s been too long. In many ways…

Tipping point reached for GPs ahead of Scottish Conference

25 Nov 2022November 25, 2022

As we approach the Scottish LMC conference – where GPs will gather from across Scotland to discuss key issues - I wish that I could be more positive with you,…