The Scottish health minister Susan Deacon has agreed to set up a working group to examine winter pressures on the NHS after being criticised by pharmacists and other health professionals over the respose to this winter's problems.
Ms Deacon announced during a health debate in the Scottish Parliament on February 3 that a winter planning group was to be established involving a wide range of interests. It would "reflect on existing winter planning arrangements and see how they can be improved in future for the benefit of patient care," she said.
This followed complaints from the Scottish Pharmaceutical Federation that the Scottish health department failed to follow the lead of the English department and mount an effective public education campaign to help deal with winter health problems. Last month the SPF joined with the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing in calling on the Scottish Executive to establish a winter pressures working group (PJ, January 15, p82).
The chairman of the SPF, Mr George Allan, said that he was delighted the Minister had responded positively to the request. "This is a real step forward and we hope we will be involved in the working group to help organise a more co-ordinated approach in future. Pharmacy is an important source of advice and help and can play a role in taking pressure off GP surgeries."
The membership of the working group has still to be decided but a Scottish Executive spokeswoman said the aim was to make it as inclusive as possible. Ms Deacon said: "There is always scope for learning and scope for improvement."