More than nine in ten doctors in Scotland think the NHS cannot continue to provide the current level of services without extra funding, a survey has revealed.

It comes as the head of the British Medical Association Scotland, Dr Lewis Morrison, calls for a rethink of how healthcare is funded, warning “more of the same” is not good enough.

“The target driven culture many of us work in can create inappropriate behaviours – by which I mean bullying - and a blame culture which does little to improve patient care. This has to change,” Dr Morrison said.

The organisation’s survey found half of the 900 medics surveyed had experienced a situation where pursuing targets had resulted in pressure to overturn clinical judgement.

In his Christmas message, Dr Morrison, said there was now a “real opportunity” for change and warning lights about the health of the NHS could no longer be ignored.

“As we roll out a complete Covid vaccination programme and life starts getting back to normal, there can be no going back to what was normal in the NHS.

“Because that normal was a normal of understaffing, under-resourcing and unrelenting pressure. 

“Our national debate will focus on the Scottish Parliament elections in May and whatever the outcome the message to all political parties must be that healthcare deserves better than 'more of the same'.”

BMA Scotland’s survey revealed just 7% of clinicians who responded felt staffing had increased, with more than a third believing staff numbers had deteriorated and a further 20% saying increases have not kept up with extra pressures on the NHS.

The BMA Scotland leader added: “The early results from our survey tell us doctors are working in a system which simply isn’t funded sufficiently to even keep doing what it does at the moment.

“Staffing levels are either getting worse or simply not keeping up with demand and the system is often based on blunt targets that can be used to side-line clinical judgement. As we have heard before, that system can create damaging cultures and behaviours.

“So, in 2021 let’s not pretend anymore that the NHS can go on achieving everything we currently ask of it with current funding and staffing.

“It’s not good enough to fudge or argue over vacancy levels and it’s time for a clear and unambiguous plan to fix recruitment and retention issues, not just publish a plan to have a plan as has been the government approach so far.

Dr Morrison continued: “I want to finish on a positive note though, as I genuinely believe that the will is there to change course.

“It has been the toughest of years for many of us, but if we are to take anything from 2020 and the pandemic, then it’s surely that working together works.

“That is why I am convinced we can seize the opportunity to change during this next year. We have a responsibility to rebuild the NHS to make it a far, far better place for staff to work - and the evidence is clear that that will deliver better care for the people of Scotland.”

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