THE Holyrood Health, Social Care and Sport Committee recently issued a hard-hitting report into remote and rural healthcare.

It highlighted some significant problems people in rural areas face when seeking to access NHS services.

Too often, the Scottish Government forgets about rural residents, who face specific challenges, including the need to travel long distances to access services, which are now increasingly centralised.

In East Lothian, the Scottish Government forgets that we’re not part of the Central Belt. Imagine how long it would take for someone living in Oldhamstocks to get to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with a serious injury or a wound.

Demand for healthcare provision is increasing, with a growing number of people requiring complex care in their local area. But yet again, the needs of rural residents – and those in towns and villages far from cities like Edinburgh – are overlooked. Getting care at home or hospital at home services can be very difficult locally.

The report draws attention to training and development as a key problem outside cities. MSPs say the Scottish Government must do more to improve the availability, suitability and flexibility of local training and development opportunities in remote and rural areas. If they do not do this, then Scotland's healthcare workforce will be left behind and patients will be let down.

Access to public transport for older people is another key concern. Time and time again, constituents receiving treatment get in touch with me about horrendously long bus journeys to access healthcare services in Edinburgh. The recent closure of facilities such as Belhaven Hospital and the absence of a minor injuries unit at the East Lothian Community Hospital only make these problems worse.

The lack of affordable housing for key workers is another concern. With the SNP having slashed the affordable housing budget, it’s difficult for healthcare workers to find somewhere to live in areas such as East Lothian.

Fixing these problems is not rocket science, but it does seem to be beyond the capacity of SNP ministers.