Professor John Robertson OBA
The Scotsman yesterday had the above based on a survey published by the BMA (Scotland) trade union.
How many consultants and speciality associates are there in NHS Scotland?
From NHS Education for Scotland (NES) – Official Workforce Statistics (June 2024 data, published September 2024):
Consultants: 6,130 WTE (headcount ~7,000–7,500, accounting for part-time roles).
SAS doctors: 1,300 in post (combined doctors and dentists; doctor-specific ~1,000–1,100).
Total estimated headcount: ~8,500.
Link: NES Turas Data Portal – Official Workforce Statistics
How big and representative was the sample for the survey?
‘More than 450‘ says the Scotsman. Lets give them the benefit with 460?
What percentage is that?
5.4%
And the ‘one in four’ saying services are unsafe?
1.35%
And it’s a self-selection, squeaky wheel, response. Nearly 99% have not claimed ‘services are normally unsafe.’
This would fail a Year 1 (12 year-olds) Modern Studies project.
Over the years, we’ve responded to endless trade union survey of zero value.
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Just as stark in true numbers
1 in 4 of 460 = 115
So bma in Scotland and Scotsman declaring 8,385 bma Scotland members think there services do not cause concern.
LikeLiked by 1 person
”One in Four Scotsman journalists has failed O grade Arithmetic !” would be a better headline .
LikeLike
They actually have that many to start with? Or did you hear that on BBC Scotland 😉
LikeLike
“Lies, damned lies, and statistics” Twain, Disraeli, take your pick. But very useful in headlines.
LikeLike
The MSM increasingly looks like a mad cult waving placards “THE END OF THE WORLD IN SCOTLAND IS NIGH!”
LikeLiked by 1 person