James Morton’s new NHS role aims to ensure care is right for the patient and right for the planet
GP and former Great British Bake Off contestant joins our organisation to help tackle over-prescribing
Glasgow GP James Morton is the new vice-chair of our Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Council.
As part of his new role, James is keen to tackle the issue of over-prescribing in the NHS. Over-prescribing costs the health service £300 million in waste in the UK each year.
James is passionate about people making positive lifestyle changes to improve their health. He feels focussing SIGN guidance on prevention and non pharmacological treatments could help.
He said:
“There are so many things we can do to help our own health. This can also cut down on over reliance on medicines that might lead to waste in the NHS.
I’d ask people, particularly those who have been on medication long term, to speak to their GP to ensure they’re not taking them unnecessarily.
“This is not about saving money. It’s about encouraging people to have more involvement in their own health.”
“I want to motivate patients to improve their health and prevent illness through social prescribing. Rather than giving someone medicines, gardening or exercise can have greater benefits.”
Dr James Morton
Vice-Chair, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Council
He added:
“Traditionally, this time of year is when people resolve to lead healthier lives. It would be good for all of us to think about our health, and our healthcare regimes in general, as part of that.
“Sustainability is an issue for everyone. Most of our carbon footprint is preventable. GPs like me need to look at prescribing. At least half of medicines we prescribe are not taken as prescribed. This is a huge waste.
“I want to motivate patients to improve their health and prevent illness through social prescribing. Rather than giving someone medicines, gardening or exercise can have greater benefits.”
The former Great British Bake Off contestant will be returning to our TV screens for a New Year’s Eve special.
Safia Qureshi, Director of Evidence and Digital at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said:
“We’re delighted James is supporting us with our focus on sustainability. Our guidelines already have a keen focus on sustainability. For example, our guideline on management of depression emphasises effective non-pharmacological treatments.
“We want our guidelines to provide the best evidence. This will empower people to be involved in decisions about their health and wellbeing.”