Fixing Our Broken Health System
I have a medical centre just two streets away from me. But it’s only open two mornings a week. For a population of almost 4,000. That’s it. That’s all we get.
NHS struggles don’t just affect me when I need to see a doctor. They’re part of my day job. I work at Ninewells, dealing with waiting lists, and I see the cracks everywhere. Everyone’s trying, but there’s just not enough to go round. Not enough GPs. Not enough nurses. Not enough care.
And the people who pay the price? All of us.
In autumn 2024, more than a third of new outpatient waits were over 12 weeks – up from from 27% in 2019. Here in Fife North East, our healthcare services are buckling under rising demand, tight budgets and staff shortages.
The SNP promised a “health service fit for the future”, but the reality is longer waits, overworked staff and a two-tier healthcare service as record numbers go private. Things are getting worse for both patients and the people trying to care for them.
As a women’s health campaigner, through Pausitivity #KnowYourMenopause and other work, I see it differently, too. Women get dismissed and ignored; misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Menopause, endometriosis, gynaecology care – I’ve fought for them all and I’ll take that fight to Holyrood.
Illness and hardship are two sides of the same coin and I saw them both in my childhood. That’s why I know how vital it is to have care that’s close by, joined-up and compassionate.
And I also know how terrifying it is when that isn’t there.
As your Scottish Labour candidate, I’ll stand up for:
- Local GP and community services that actually work, making it easier to get appointments when you need them
- Staff to be properly paid and supported, so we can recruit and retain the healthcare workers North East Fife needs
- Better local care because no one should travel miles just to get basic treatment
- A system that listens to women, with support and care right on our doorsteps
Strong, local healthcare benefits us all. I already work with people who share these values and I’ll keep going — because Fife North East deserves care that’s fair, reliable and compassionate.
