That the Parliament welcomes the initiative by BMA Scotland to highlight the importance of self care and wellbeing for doctors over the festive period by providing care boxes to all secondary care staff working during the period; notes that over 100 care boxes were placed in Scottish hospitals containing drinks, snacks and leaflets to highlight, among many things, the importance of taking breaks, staying hydrated and refuelling, as well as taking time to refresh, reflect, refocus and return; understands that this action coincided with findings from a BMA Scotland survey, which highlighted the reality of workload pressures and the urgent need for better support for staff; notes that over 800 doctors responded to the survey and that 71% of respondents answered that they had gone to work when they felt too ill to do so, 77% said work has had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, yet only 23% sought help for their mental wellbeing and health; recognises that the work of a doctor will often, unavoidably, be stressful, but notes the BMA Scotland survey with concern, and agrees that better support for doctors is urgently needed.
Supported by:
Jackie Baillie, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Neil Findlay, Iain Gray, Alison Johnstone, Lewis Macdonald, Liam McArthur, Mark McDonald, Margaret Mitchell, David Torrance, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle