THE recruitment issues at West Kilbride GP surgery are to be debated in the Scottish Parliament after Jamie Greene MSP lodged a new motion.

Mr Greene lodged the motion in order to achieve cross-party support to bring forward a members’ debate on the issue.

After extensive lobbying from the West Scotland MSP, the motion now has sufficient crossparty support and a debate will take place on Tuesday, September 26.

Mr Greene said that he looks forward to working with MSPs from across Scotland in order to ensure that the Scottish Government focusses its attention to the GP recruitment crisis that is impacting all corners of the country.

He said: “I’m delighted that I am able to bring this debate to the Scottish Parliament and I’d like to thank all MSPs who put aside party differences and supported my motion. The situation in West Kilbride is not unique, many practices across Scotland are facing the same issue and it cannot be allowed to continue without debate.

“We need to see a clear plan of action from the SNP in how we deal with this recruitment crisis and I hope this debate will help focus on that.

“I think it’s right that we kick off the new parliamentary by debating such a vital local issue. We spent an entire year debating constitutional issues in Holyrood, with many criticising that we didn’t spend enough time on meaningful legislation. Areas such as health and education were ignored so I’m pleased that Holyrood can get back to debating issues that matter to people. That is the point of the Scottish Parliament.

“MSPs from all over Scotland have signed this motion because they have seen the effects of failing to workforce plan and recruit across our health service over the last decade. I am pleased that the Chamber will have an open and frank cross-party debate on this issue and I think it is important that each MSP who speaks in the debate does so with a constructive attitude.

“I’d like to extend an invite to anybody who is concerned about the current GP recruitment problems in North Ayrshire to come to the Scottish Parliament for the debate and listen in from the public gallery.

“It will also be televised through the usual parliamentary TV channels.”