Dreadnought Medical Service: Nautilus motion passed at STUC Congress

Delegates at the STUC Annual Congress have voted unanimously in support of a Nautilus motion entitled Restoring The ‘Dreadnought’ Service for Scotland’s Maritime Professionals.

The motion was put forward as part of work by Nautilus to ensure seafarer patients based in Scotland and Northern Ireland are able to access the service, after reports that they are having difficulties.

Proposing the motion, Nautilus head of industrial Micky Smyth said: ‘This excellent service has been in place for generations for seafarers, but unfortunately it faces significant challenges… These have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of maritime professionals and shipping in Scotland, as well as wider impacts on global trade.

‘Continued investment and support for the Dreadnought service is crucial for its long-term future, which is critical to ensure that Scotland’s maritime professionals have access to essential healthcare.’

By passing the motion, STUC congress observes that Dreadnought service plays a vital role in supporting Scottish seafarers facing health challenges, by having these resolved faster and in keeping with their working schedule. It notes that the service faces significant challenges, including funding from the devolved Scottish NHS not being made available, and that these challenges have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of maritime professionals.

It commits STUC to express its concern regarding the challenges facing the Dreadnought service for Scottish maritime professionals, and to calling upon the UK and Scottish governments to fully fund the service to meet current and future demands; address administrative issues through ensuring that funding for service users is delivered to the service promptly; and engage with Nautilus International and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable solutions to support the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s maritime workforce.