Rural GP named as new doctors' leader

Published on Wednesday 26 August 2009 18:59

DOCTORS in Scotland have elected a new leader to represent them.

Rural GP Brian Keighley has been named chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland, replacing consultant Peter Terry, who held the post for five years.

Dr Keighley, 61, from Balfron, Stirlingshire, said he was proud to have been given "the great honour to represent and lead my profession in Scotland".

"Scotland's NHS faces a great number of challenges in the coming years," he said. Increasing financial pressures will make it ever more important for government and NHS managers to work with the medical profession to ensure the range of high-quality services that Scottish patients deserve is maintained.

"I want to ensure that quality and standards of junior doctor training are sustained amid great change to postgraduate medical education and the introduction of the European Working Time Regulations, and that the essential role of doctors as clinical leaders is recognised."

Dr Sally Winning, a staff grade psychiatrist from Aberdeen, and Dr Charles Saunders, a consultant in public health medicine in Fife, were elected as joint deputy chairmen of the BMA's Scottish Council.