THE Scottish government has been urged to address access to healthcare in rural communities.

MSPs on Holyrood’s health committee is calling on local NHS boards, councils, trade unions and ministers to work together to find a solution to a staff retention crisis.

In a report published today, they found the availability and affordability of housing as well as access to training were significant factors in keeping hold of staff in remote areas.

The committee called for a fairer approach to reimbursing travel costs and for the government to set out how it will enable digital access to healthcare in remote and rural areas.

Committee convener SNP MSP Clare Haughey said Scotland’s one-size-fits-all healthcare policy often fails to address the particular needs of remote and rural communities.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We expect and rely on health boards to plan and deliver services to meet the needs of local populations. Our role is to set the national policy and direction and create the conditions for local implementation.”