THE NHS is not just under pressure but on life support, according to local constituency MSP Finlay Carson.
He warned that it not just a crisis -it’s a collapse in confidence, a collapse in planning and a collapse in leadership.
The situation in NHS Dumfries and Galloway is no better with waiting lists at record highs.
Speaking in a debate on the country’s medical and nursing workforce crisis, the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “We need immediate, decisive action to address this workforce crisis.
“We need a government that listens to the professionals, that plans for the future, and that delivers on its promises.
“The people of Scotland deserve better. And it’s time this government delivered.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP argued that despite repeated promises to bolster frontline support and staffing, the reality is stark and it simply isn’t happening.
He continued: “Knock on any door in my constituency and you’ll hear the same concerns – a lack of GP appointments, a shortage of NHS dentists and long waits for hospital treatment.
“These are not isolated issues – they are systemic failures that affect every corner of Scotland.
“And now, we face a paradox that lays bare the dysfunction at the heart of this government’s workforce strategy.
“We have underemployed GPs unable to find sufficient work, despite widespread demand. We have newly qualified paramedics and paediatric nurses struggling to secure roles, even as vacancies remain unfilled.”
The promise by the SNP Government to increase GP numbers by 800 by 2027 already looked like missing the target, he noted, also flagging a reliance on costly agency workers.
Addressing major issues locally, Mr Carson warned mothers in Wigtownshire were still having to travel 90 minutes along the A75.
He explained: “Why? Because NHS Dumfries and Galloway lacks the resources to reopen the fully-equipped maternity unit at Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.”
The constituency MSP highlighted the case of one constituent who is waiting for cataract surgery.
He said: “In Scotland, the maximum wait time for non-urgent consultant-led treatments, including cataract surgery is 12 weeks.
“Yet I know of one case where a constituent has been told it will be 52 weeks before he receives an appointment and may take a further year before he is scheduled for an operation.
“However he could have the procedure done privately at a cost of £3000 but he cannot afford it. He now fears his job could be on the line.
“This is someone’s livelihood, someone’s future.”
Praising the tireless efforts of health and care staff, Mr Carson admitted they are stretched to breaking point – working overtime, facing burn-out, and receiving little recognition or job satisfaction.
He added: “And all the while, trained professionals remain unemployed or underemployed. It’s a tragic irony.”
