Motion 61
Securing the Health of Scotland’s Maritime Workforce
“That this Congress notes the:
- unique health challenges faced by maritime professionals, whose work involves prolonged periods away from home, irregular patterns, and significant physical & mental strain;
- ongoing campaign to restore the Dreadnought Medical Service, ensuring Scottish seafarers have access to medical treatment that understands the complexities of their profession; and
- commendable initiative by Stena Line providing advanced cancer screening kits (prostate, ovarian, and bowel) for employees over 40.
“Congress believes that:
- whilst initiatives by employers like Stena Line are welcomed and will save lives, good employers should not be forced to fill the void left by a struggling NHS;
- the health of Scotland’s workers is a fundamental responsibility of the state. The funding crisis has created a ‘delivery gap’ where advanced screening and early intervention are seen as luxuries rather than necessities; and
- early diagnosis through advanced screening is a proven means of reducing the long-term burden on the NHS, supporting and improving the quality of life for all Scottish citizens.
“Congress regrets that:
- despite record investment, the current NHS model remains plagued with long waits for referrals. This impacts the ability of maritime professionals to work, threatening the resilience of Scotland’s supply chains; and
- Scottish Maritime professionals still face ‘postcode lotteries’ when attempting to access the specialised, expedited care promised under Dreadnought.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- lobby the Scottish Government to deliver a fully funded, revitalised National Health Service that integrates advanced, routine screening as a cornerstone of public health policy for all workers;
- continue demanding the full implementation of the ‘Dreadnought-style’ service for Scotland, including the necessary administrative and financial support to make urgent seafarer treatment a reality across all NHS Boards; and
- engage with the Scottish Government so that ‘early intervention’ is accessible to those workers at sea and offshore.”
Mover: Nautilus International
RSS