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Now that the work has reached that point, we are asking those involved to look methodically through the information and identify the precise need that underlies each request.
Surely it would not be too difficult to put in place a requirement under which, if they have visited a country where there is GS, they have to make a declaration to that effect.
For example, we were told when we went to visit the SPPA site that the relocation had significantly improved the economy of the Borders area, particularly that of Galashiels.
Examples of that can be seen in the Nottingham system, which I believe the committee visited. There has been progress but, by basing our assessment partly on Sheffield and partly on Manchester, on which a lot of data are available, we have looked at a worst case.
We also gleaned valuable information from our visit to Dublin, when we heard at first hand about the changes to the Irish system.However, at the end of the process, having listened and studied the various models from different places, we decided to recommend none of them.
Some people have cast doubt on that suggestion this evening. Last summer, I visited the Western Isles and saw an excellent health service whose hospitals largely depended on the input of GPs.
I meet groups all year, but as part of my preparations for the December meeting I have made a point of visiting a number of ports—as the convener is aware, I was in Aberdeen yesterday.