As an amendment to motion S6M-17869 in the name of Jackie Baillie (Addressing Scotland’s Medical and Nursing Workforce Crisis), after “vacancies;” insert “acknowledges that Scotland is experiencing a paradox of underemployed GPs who remain unable to find sufficient work despite widespread demand, as well as unemployed paramedics graduating from universities and paediatric nurses unable to secure roles; highlights that the Scottish National Party administration promised to increase GP numbers by 800 by 2027, but that this target is unlikely to be met as GP numbers are declining and junior doctors are struggling to find jobs; acknowledges that the Royal College of Nursing has claimed that current nursing staffing levels are inadequate, noting that, while the number of nurses employed by NHS Scotland has increased, levels of staff absence and agency use remain unsustainably high; references the report, The Nursing Workforce in Scotland 2025, which shows demand outstripping supply, and calls for better data to enable sustainable workforce planning; recognises that the Royal College of General Practitioners has criticised the Scottish Government’s plan to provide 100,000 extra GP appointments, as Scotland’s NHS currently does not have the workforce capacity to deliver this plan;”.
Submitted by: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date lodged: Monday, June 9, 2025
Supported by: Foysol Choudhury, Paul Sweeney
Current status: Taken in the chamber on Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Result 62 for, 53 against, 0 abstained, 14 did not vote Vote Passed
Submitted by: Neil Gray, Airdrie and Shotts, Scottish National Party, Date lodged: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Supported by: Jenni Minto, Maree Todd
Current status: Taken in the chamber on Wednesday, June 11, 2025