This debate gives some of us an opportunity to advance a powerful, unified and telling message about the contribution that lottery funding can make in Scotland, not only to sport but to quality of life.
For other members, it is an opportunity to nitpick, score points and be negative.
That is a price worth paying if, at the end of the debate, the Parliament can send a strong and powerful message that the lottery will make a difference in Scotland.
Margo MacDonald has been tireless in her efforts to promote the links between education, better health and sporting activity.
We know that intervention and participation in sport at a young age can make a real difference to what young people achieve in their education, the quality of their life and their health.
We should view the opportunity that the Commonwealth games brings to Scotland in that context.
Jamie McGrigor was right to raise the lack of development of facilities in our new schools.
Those are once-in-a-generation opportunities to make a difference to a local community.
We need to be more thoughtful about how we plan our investment and the range of facilities that we deliver, because they can make a difference to local communities, particularly in more isolated areas of Scotland.
Ross Finnie was right to talk about realistic objectives, and to consider not only what the Commonwealth games brings to Scotland in terms of structural regeneration.
Frank McAveety was right to speak about what the Commonwealth games can bring to Glasgow, and the east end in particular.
My family is from the east end of Glasgow—many still live there and, as people who know me will testify, I am a regular visitor to that part of the city.
It breaks my heart to see what has happened there over generations: the deprivation, the poverty, the drug addiction, the alcohol abuse and the physical decline in the area.
However, there is still pride and hope there, and many people in the area look forward to what the Commonwealth games will do to bring their quality of life up to the standard that others in Scotland currently take for granted.
We should not just assume that we are starting with a blank canvas.
I give credit to what Glasgow City Council has done—and is doing—to make a difference in the city, through regeneration projects and building new schools.
There is imagination there about capturing the opportunity that the Commonwealth games bring.
We should aid and assist Glasgow in every way that we can.
What happens in the east end of Glasgow will spill out into the rest of the city, and to the surrounding areas.
The people from the constituency that I represent will go to Glasgow to use the cultural and sporting facilities in which Glasgow City Council has invested, so it is clear that other areas will benefit from what goes on there.
We must grasp the bigger picture.
I did not agree with the tone of some of what Bill Kidd said or with everything that he said, but he was absolutely right to put the games into the perspective of what they can do to transform the life of people in the city of Glasgow.
As the minister rightly said, we want to use the Commonwealth games to boost Scotland's standing in the world.
However, as Ian McKee said, the way in which to boost Glasgow and Scotland's standing in the world in the long term is not to provide a one-off event, but to get rid of our image as the sick man of Europe and of violence and educational underachievement.
That means that, although lottery funding must be used to boost and enhance sport, it must also be used to tackle the endemic poverty and deprivation and the lack of educational opportunities.
It must be used to boost the number of volunteers and the social infrastructure in areas.
If we transform Glasgow's statistics on matters such as poverty, ill health, violence and deprivation, at a stroke we will transform Scotland's statistics and push Scotland way up the international league.
Therefore, let us use the Commonwealth games as an opportunity to invest in our sporting infrastructure but, more than that, let us ensure that we tackle the deep-seated and deep-rooted problems that have blighted our society for far too long.
26 Sept 2008
23 Sept 2008
Hugh Henry article Paisley Daily Express 17 September 2008
What a criminal idea
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 will be a fantastic event for the whole of Scotland.
I hope that we seize the opportunity to make 2014 a year of sport in Scotland.
We should use this event as the spur to involve more young people in sport, starting at school.
And it’s not just sporting opportunities which the games will bring.
We will need new facilities and the infrastructure to support this.
We could ensure that young school leavers in the West of Scotland have the chance to take up quality apprenticeships, giving them a real start in life.
What has the SNP Justice Minister suggested?
He wants the infrastructure built by convicted criminals.
No talk of apprenticeships for decent young people.
No quality jobs for the unemployed.
Just empty Barlinnie and give jobs to criminals.
And we wonder why politicians get a bad name!
------------------------------------------------
The Paisley Daily Express recently highlighted a death at the RAH where Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff) was a contributory factor.
Since then I’ve been contacted by some constituents who say they know of people who died at the RAH and C.Diff was also a factor in the death.
And last week we read that the number of deaths involving C.Diff has almost doubled across Scotland in the last two years.
Last year C.Diff was a factor in 597 deaths.
These figures don’t even include all of the deaths in the recent outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.
I welcome the announcement that hospitals Health Centres and GP surgeries will be subject to hygiene spot checks.
In particular I still hear too many complaints about the lack of cleanliness in some of our hospitals.
I’m pleased also that the Scottish Parliament agreed with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie that there should be a public enquiry.
The Health Secretary should end the uncertainty now and order a public enquiry.
-------------------------------------------
Last week I questioned Fergus Ewing, the Community Safety Minister, about attacks on shop workers and rail and bus staff.
Too often an abusive minority think it’s ok to assault these workers. We know how vulnerable shop workers can be.
That’s why USDAW the shop workers union has been campaigning for greater protection for shop workers.
And transport staff are vulnerable too. ASLEF the train drivers’ union and UNITE, which represents bus workers have been demanding protection for their members.
And the public suffers too when staff are assaulted.
Services can stop leaving people stranded and isolated.
I’m pleased that Fergus Ewing gave a sympathetic hearing to my call for legislation to be extended to give these workers the protection they deserve.
----
Doors Open
The recent Doors Open event reminded us of the fabulous buildings we have here in Renfrewshire.
It’s sometimes too easy to overlook our history and our heritage.
Thank you to all those who made the Doors Open event such a success.
A Tale of two Parties
Linwood High School is the latest new school to be opened in Renfrewshire.
The new school was approved by Labour but opposed by the SNP.
What is the record of the SNP since coming to power in Renfrewshire?
They have announced plans to close 7 primary and nursery schools.
Yes that’s right – close 7 primary and nursery schools.
Last week the new improved sports facilities were open at the Lagoon.
Again approved by Labour and scorned by the SNP.
On the same day the SNP announced plans to scrap ice at the Lagoon for good.
Rumours are that more cuts are in the pipeline.
Slowly but surely all the recent improvements in Renfrewshire are being unpicked.
Unfortunately the SNP Councillors are being supported in all of this by the Liberal Democrats.
Greed and Stupidity
The turmoil in world financial markets has highlighted the sharp practices and greed of highly paid executives here and abroad.
These financiers have used dubious means to pay huge bonuses to themselves.
Now they have brought the banking industry to crisis, but it’s us who pay, while they scuttle off with the salaries and bonuses already paid.
It’s time for the government to take action to stop these people ripping us off.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 will be a fantastic event for the whole of Scotland.
I hope that we seize the opportunity to make 2014 a year of sport in Scotland.
We should use this event as the spur to involve more young people in sport, starting at school.
And it’s not just sporting opportunities which the games will bring.
We will need new facilities and the infrastructure to support this.
We could ensure that young school leavers in the West of Scotland have the chance to take up quality apprenticeships, giving them a real start in life.
What has the SNP Justice Minister suggested?
He wants the infrastructure built by convicted criminals.
No talk of apprenticeships for decent young people.
No quality jobs for the unemployed.
Just empty Barlinnie and give jobs to criminals.
And we wonder why politicians get a bad name!
------------------------------------------------
The Paisley Daily Express recently highlighted a death at the RAH where Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff) was a contributory factor.
Since then I’ve been contacted by some constituents who say they know of people who died at the RAH and C.Diff was also a factor in the death.
And last week we read that the number of deaths involving C.Diff has almost doubled across Scotland in the last two years.
Last year C.Diff was a factor in 597 deaths.
These figures don’t even include all of the deaths in the recent outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.
I welcome the announcement that hospitals Health Centres and GP surgeries will be subject to hygiene spot checks.
In particular I still hear too many complaints about the lack of cleanliness in some of our hospitals.
I’m pleased also that the Scottish Parliament agreed with Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie that there should be a public enquiry.
The Health Secretary should end the uncertainty now and order a public enquiry.
-------------------------------------------
Last week I questioned Fergus Ewing, the Community Safety Minister, about attacks on shop workers and rail and bus staff.
Too often an abusive minority think it’s ok to assault these workers. We know how vulnerable shop workers can be.
That’s why USDAW the shop workers union has been campaigning for greater protection for shop workers.
And transport staff are vulnerable too. ASLEF the train drivers’ union and UNITE, which represents bus workers have been demanding protection for their members.
And the public suffers too when staff are assaulted.
Services can stop leaving people stranded and isolated.
I’m pleased that Fergus Ewing gave a sympathetic hearing to my call for legislation to be extended to give these workers the protection they deserve.
----
Doors Open
The recent Doors Open event reminded us of the fabulous buildings we have here in Renfrewshire.
It’s sometimes too easy to overlook our history and our heritage.
Thank you to all those who made the Doors Open event such a success.
A Tale of two Parties
Linwood High School is the latest new school to be opened in Renfrewshire.
The new school was approved by Labour but opposed by the SNP.
What is the record of the SNP since coming to power in Renfrewshire?
They have announced plans to close 7 primary and nursery schools.
Yes that’s right – close 7 primary and nursery schools.
Last week the new improved sports facilities were open at the Lagoon.
Again approved by Labour and scorned by the SNP.
On the same day the SNP announced plans to scrap ice at the Lagoon for good.
Rumours are that more cuts are in the pipeline.
Slowly but surely all the recent improvements in Renfrewshire are being unpicked.
Unfortunately the SNP Councillors are being supported in all of this by the Liberal Democrats.
Greed and Stupidity
The turmoil in world financial markets has highlighted the sharp practices and greed of highly paid executives here and abroad.
These financiers have used dubious means to pay huge bonuses to themselves.
Now they have brought the banking industry to crisis, but it’s us who pay, while they scuttle off with the salaries and bonuses already paid.
It’s time for the government to take action to stop these people ripping us off.
HUgh Henry article in Paisley Daily Express 8 September 2008
Police Custody Centre
Regrettably Strathclyde Police are pressing ahead with proposals for a custody centre at Millarston despite local opposition.
Before the Council elections last year councillors from across the political spectrum opposed this.
I hope that now they are elected, councillors from all parties will continue their opposition when this comes to the Council.
There are other alternatives and the Council should back the overwhelming views of local residents.
More Labour Promises Delivered
This week sees the Lagoon Leisure Centre reopened after major refurbishment.
The new Linwood High School will also be opened this week, despite being opposed by the SNP.
At both these ceremonies, SNP politicians will be prominently trying to take credit.
The truth is both these developments would never have happened had it not been for the previous Labour Council, led by Jim Harkins.
Labour was right to push through these new facilities and Jim Harkins and his colleagues deserve the credit.
Hospital Parking
I welcome the decision to scrap car parking charges at NHS Hospitals.
This will be a relief to the staff and the public who use the car park at the RAH.
I have been campaigning against these charges which would have imposed an unfair and punitive burden on those with lower incomes.
The Minister has my backing for this decision which shows that public pressure can work.
Cash Cut For RAH?
The news that the Health Board is cutting its budget is a real worry for the RAH.
In recent years we have seen improvements in the NHS.
I’ve noticed in my postbag that complaints are substantially reduced.
Why then is the SNP administration cutting the budget to the Health Boards?
We should be making sure the NHS has the money to cope with price increases.
Yet again, despite the promises and the spin we are seeing the reality of Alex Salmond’s administration.
Better Bus Services Needed
Like many MSP’s across Scotland, I receive complaints from constituents about poor and sometimes non existent bus services.
Some areas have virtually no service at night or on a Sunday.
Those without a car are virtual prisoners in their own community unless they fork out for a taxi, and this isn’t cheap.
It’s time for government to act.
I want tougher control on the bus companies. I want them to listen to local people.
And I don’t want them to be allowed to cherry pick the profitable routes and then abandon everyone else.
This is something I will be pursuing in the coming months.
Climate Change
Thankfully the recent hurricane that has hit America’s Gulf Coast did not have the same devastating affect as Hurricane Katrina did in 2005, which caused huge damage and loss of life.
Natural disasters are almost impossible to prevent, but according to some scientists, the extreme weather conditions we have been experiencing recently are a direct result of climate change - something we all can act on.
Here in Paisley we know only too well the misery that bad weather can cause.
We all have a responsibility to look at the bigger picture.
If we look at facts such as that all of the ten warmest years since records began have occurred since 1990, including each year since 1997 and that winter storms have doubled in the UK over the past 50 years
These are facts that can’t be ignored.
We need to tackle climate change and each and every one of us must act.
We can act in our homes, work and travel by making simple changes like turning off power when it is not needed, recycling, using public transport, cycling or walking rather than taking our cars or simply by buying recycled or recyclable friendly products.
To find out what you can do to help the environment visit the government website http://www.direct.gov.uk
Regrettably Strathclyde Police are pressing ahead with proposals for a custody centre at Millarston despite local opposition.
Before the Council elections last year councillors from across the political spectrum opposed this.
I hope that now they are elected, councillors from all parties will continue their opposition when this comes to the Council.
There are other alternatives and the Council should back the overwhelming views of local residents.
More Labour Promises Delivered
This week sees the Lagoon Leisure Centre reopened after major refurbishment.
The new Linwood High School will also be opened this week, despite being opposed by the SNP.
At both these ceremonies, SNP politicians will be prominently trying to take credit.
The truth is both these developments would never have happened had it not been for the previous Labour Council, led by Jim Harkins.
Labour was right to push through these new facilities and Jim Harkins and his colleagues deserve the credit.
Hospital Parking
I welcome the decision to scrap car parking charges at NHS Hospitals.
This will be a relief to the staff and the public who use the car park at the RAH.
I have been campaigning against these charges which would have imposed an unfair and punitive burden on those with lower incomes.
The Minister has my backing for this decision which shows that public pressure can work.
Cash Cut For RAH?
The news that the Health Board is cutting its budget is a real worry for the RAH.
In recent years we have seen improvements in the NHS.
I’ve noticed in my postbag that complaints are substantially reduced.
Why then is the SNP administration cutting the budget to the Health Boards?
We should be making sure the NHS has the money to cope with price increases.
Yet again, despite the promises and the spin we are seeing the reality of Alex Salmond’s administration.
Better Bus Services Needed
Like many MSP’s across Scotland, I receive complaints from constituents about poor and sometimes non existent bus services.
Some areas have virtually no service at night or on a Sunday.
Those without a car are virtual prisoners in their own community unless they fork out for a taxi, and this isn’t cheap.
It’s time for government to act.
I want tougher control on the bus companies. I want them to listen to local people.
And I don’t want them to be allowed to cherry pick the profitable routes and then abandon everyone else.
This is something I will be pursuing in the coming months.
Climate Change
Thankfully the recent hurricane that has hit America’s Gulf Coast did not have the same devastating affect as Hurricane Katrina did in 2005, which caused huge damage and loss of life.
Natural disasters are almost impossible to prevent, but according to some scientists, the extreme weather conditions we have been experiencing recently are a direct result of climate change - something we all can act on.
Here in Paisley we know only too well the misery that bad weather can cause.
We all have a responsibility to look at the bigger picture.
If we look at facts such as that all of the ten warmest years since records began have occurred since 1990, including each year since 1997 and that winter storms have doubled in the UK over the past 50 years
These are facts that can’t be ignored.
We need to tackle climate change and each and every one of us must act.
We can act in our homes, work and travel by making simple changes like turning off power when it is not needed, recycling, using public transport, cycling or walking rather than taking our cars or simply by buying recycled or recyclable friendly products.
To find out what you can do to help the environment visit the government website http://www.direct.gov.uk
Hugh Henry article in Paisley Daily Express 25 June 2008
CORSEFORD SCHOOL LEADS THE WAY
Most of us take the ability to communicate for granted.
We can express ourselves whenever we want and with mobile phones and texting there seems to be no respite!
But do we stop to think about those who have difficulty in communicating?
For some, specialist equipment provides the means to do what most do all the time.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) equipment can give the opportunity to communicate, learn and study, work and even just socialise.
Unfortunately the equipment is not automatically available to those who need it.
Young people from Capability Scotland’s Corseford School recently became involved in the campaign to improve access to AAC equipment.
Four of the pupils, Owen Hunter, Steven Sweeney, Courtney Pollock and Craig Gibson recently visited the Scottish Parliament to advance the campaign.
Last week I visited these young campaigners out at Corseford School and heard from them the difference AAC equipment makes.
Unfortunately in Craig Gibson’s case, Renfrewshire Council refused to provide equipment last September because Craig would be leaving School in June to go to Reid Kerr College.
What a penny pinching, narrow minded decision.
Surely Craig, from Johnstone, should have the same right to communicate as anyone else?
I am backing the campaign for better AAC equipment throughout Scotland, and the young people from Corseford School are leading the way.
HELP FOR ASBESTOS SUFFERERS
Why do those whose lives have been damaged by asbestos have to go through hoops to get justice?
When I was a Government Minister I introduced a fast track Bill to overturn a decision of the courts which denied access to justice for asbestos victims and their families.
Now another court decision has denied access to compensation for those suffering from what is called ‘pleural plaques’.
This condition, along with symptomless pleural thickening, is most often found in those who worked in shipbuilding, construction, and certain types of engineering.
Those who suffer from pleural plaques have a significantly higher risk of developing serious asbestos related illness.
I am delighted that Scottish Ministers last week published a new Bill to overrule the decision of the House of Lords which restricted access to Justice.
Those with asbestos related conditions have enough to worry about without facing a denial of justice.
EDUCATION WORRIES
Last week, along with Wendy Alexander and Trish Godman, I met with parents and teachers to discuss what is happening in Renfrewshire Schools.
What we heard is profoundly worrying.
We heard about experienced teachers being given retirement and not replaced, more and more composite classes, higher class sizes, cuts to the books budget and less money to spend on teaching our children.
What’s worse is that the budget cuts will hit even harder next year.
The concerns were expressed for both primary and secondary schools, and no school seems to be immune.
Surely the local councillors responsible for this should stop and think again.
Our children only get one shot at school.
Don’t ruin it for them.
ACTION ON ALCOHOL?
There is no doubt that action is needed to tackle alcohol abuse, and its consequences, in Scotland.
But Kenny McAskill, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, has got it wrong by stigmatising 18-21 year olds.
It’s just daft to allow them to buy drink in a pub, but not to take home a bottle of wine from an off licence for dinner.
Equally it’s daft to force decent law abiding people to go in a separate queue in a supermarket to buy alcohol.
Why not use the existing powers to crackdown on underage drinking, public drunkenness and anti social behaviour?
Think again, Kenny.
Most of us take the ability to communicate for granted.
We can express ourselves whenever we want and with mobile phones and texting there seems to be no respite!
But do we stop to think about those who have difficulty in communicating?
For some, specialist equipment provides the means to do what most do all the time.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) equipment can give the opportunity to communicate, learn and study, work and even just socialise.
Unfortunately the equipment is not automatically available to those who need it.
Young people from Capability Scotland’s Corseford School recently became involved in the campaign to improve access to AAC equipment.
Four of the pupils, Owen Hunter, Steven Sweeney, Courtney Pollock and Craig Gibson recently visited the Scottish Parliament to advance the campaign.
Last week I visited these young campaigners out at Corseford School and heard from them the difference AAC equipment makes.
Unfortunately in Craig Gibson’s case, Renfrewshire Council refused to provide equipment last September because Craig would be leaving School in June to go to Reid Kerr College.
What a penny pinching, narrow minded decision.
Surely Craig, from Johnstone, should have the same right to communicate as anyone else?
I am backing the campaign for better AAC equipment throughout Scotland, and the young people from Corseford School are leading the way.
HELP FOR ASBESTOS SUFFERERS
Why do those whose lives have been damaged by asbestos have to go through hoops to get justice?
When I was a Government Minister I introduced a fast track Bill to overturn a decision of the courts which denied access to justice for asbestos victims and their families.
Now another court decision has denied access to compensation for those suffering from what is called ‘pleural plaques’.
This condition, along with symptomless pleural thickening, is most often found in those who worked in shipbuilding, construction, and certain types of engineering.
Those who suffer from pleural plaques have a significantly higher risk of developing serious asbestos related illness.
I am delighted that Scottish Ministers last week published a new Bill to overrule the decision of the House of Lords which restricted access to Justice.
Those with asbestos related conditions have enough to worry about without facing a denial of justice.
EDUCATION WORRIES
Last week, along with Wendy Alexander and Trish Godman, I met with parents and teachers to discuss what is happening in Renfrewshire Schools.
What we heard is profoundly worrying.
We heard about experienced teachers being given retirement and not replaced, more and more composite classes, higher class sizes, cuts to the books budget and less money to spend on teaching our children.
What’s worse is that the budget cuts will hit even harder next year.
The concerns were expressed for both primary and secondary schools, and no school seems to be immune.
Surely the local councillors responsible for this should stop and think again.
Our children only get one shot at school.
Don’t ruin it for them.
ACTION ON ALCOHOL?
There is no doubt that action is needed to tackle alcohol abuse, and its consequences, in Scotland.
But Kenny McAskill, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, has got it wrong by stigmatising 18-21 year olds.
It’s just daft to allow them to buy drink in a pub, but not to take home a bottle of wine from an off licence for dinner.
Equally it’s daft to force decent law abiding people to go in a separate queue in a supermarket to buy alcohol.
Why not use the existing powers to crackdown on underage drinking, public drunkenness and anti social behaviour?
Think again, Kenny.
Hugh Henry article in Paisley Daily Express 10 June 2008
Lies, damned lies and statistics
The public generally does not have a high regard for politicians.
But the current SNP/Liberal Democrat administration is clearly trying to set new records for fiddling figures.
I have just received a letter from Councillor Eileen McCartin (Liberal Democrat) justifying library closures and trying to explain why the four libraries were chosen.
She says "The libraries concerned borrowed very few books from their libraries, and very little use was being made of their computers" (Councillor McCartin’s words).
Yet when I checked the figures, they tell a different story.
Todholm library had more than 2,000 books issued compared to Ralston Library.
Yet Ralston library is to stay open.
Again Todholm library had nearly 1,200 more computer bookings than Ralston library, yet Ralston is to stay open.
Could it be because Ralston is regarded as a Liberal Democrat area?
Now I am not suggesting Ralston library should close, but there is clearly something far wrong if this is how the Council decided on Library closures.
The public deserves some honesty on this.
It’s not too late for the SNP and Liberal Democrats to admit they have made a mistake.
Epilepsy Nurses
More than 40,000 people in Scotland have epilepsy.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that more people are being diagnosed.
Epilepsy can be a terrifying condition for carers and for somebody having a seizure.
But as they learn what happened to them and understand the condition they can usually move forward much stronger.
And if people are given the right treatment and the right information they can have a normal life.
But people will need more support at the time of diagnosis.
Epilepsy can affect employment, travel, family life and independence.
That’s why specialist epilepsy nurses are so important.
People who see a specialist nurse have better access to information which is tailored to their specialist needs.
Epilepsy nurses empower people to get on with their lives.
But we don’t have enough of them.
Based on guidelines there should be three times as many as there are.
That’s why I’m backing the Epilepsy Scotland campaign for more specialist nurses.
If you back this campaign, write to your MSP.
For further information log onto http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Sun tan dangers
We are still obsessed with having a sun tan.
Too many people still take risks during the summer and believe that slapping on lotion and lying out to fry in the sun is somehow healthy and desirable.
The recent tragic and untimely death of Tommy Burns from skin cancer is a stark reminder of the dangers this disease can bring.
And to compound the problem too many people dive into sunbed parlours with no thought to the consequences.
My colleague Ken Macintosh has been campaigning on the dangers these parlours can cause.
He has proposed a Bill to the Scottish Parliament to bring in new regulations for the sun bed industry.
The Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee has agreed to extend new controls on sunbed parlours to the sale or hire of sunbeds.
Not only will there be a ban on unstaffed premises, an age restriction of 18 will be applied to the sale or hire of sunbeds as well as to using sunbed parlours.
It can’t be right that children as young as ten can access these parlours.
Nor can it be right that anyone can use these unattended machines on our high streets without supervision.
Skin cancer is on the rise in this country and it’s one disease that we can actually do something about.
Carers Week
Last week saw the annual recognition of the role carers play in our society.
I am pleased that this year, particular attention has been given to the role played by young carers.
Here in Renfrewshire, the Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre has always highlighted the significant contribution made by young carers.
This is now being taken up across Scotland.
The Young Carers’ Festival in September will be an opportunity for young carers to relax, and also put across their views to the people who make the decisions.
I’m sure Renfrewshire will be well represented.
New Address
I’ve had to move office. If anyone wants to write to me, please take a note of my new address, St James Business Centre, Linwood Road, Paisley, PA3 3AT . My telephone number remains the same 0141 848 7361
The public generally does not have a high regard for politicians.
But the current SNP/Liberal Democrat administration is clearly trying to set new records for fiddling figures.
I have just received a letter from Councillor Eileen McCartin (Liberal Democrat) justifying library closures and trying to explain why the four libraries were chosen.
She says "The libraries concerned borrowed very few books from their libraries, and very little use was being made of their computers" (Councillor McCartin’s words).
Yet when I checked the figures, they tell a different story.
Todholm library had more than 2,000 books issued compared to Ralston Library.
Yet Ralston library is to stay open.
Again Todholm library had nearly 1,200 more computer bookings than Ralston library, yet Ralston is to stay open.
Could it be because Ralston is regarded as a Liberal Democrat area?
Now I am not suggesting Ralston library should close, but there is clearly something far wrong if this is how the Council decided on Library closures.
The public deserves some honesty on this.
It’s not too late for the SNP and Liberal Democrats to admit they have made a mistake.
Epilepsy Nurses
More than 40,000 people in Scotland have epilepsy.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that more people are being diagnosed.
Epilepsy can be a terrifying condition for carers and for somebody having a seizure.
But as they learn what happened to them and understand the condition they can usually move forward much stronger.
And if people are given the right treatment and the right information they can have a normal life.
But people will need more support at the time of diagnosis.
Epilepsy can affect employment, travel, family life and independence.
That’s why specialist epilepsy nurses are so important.
People who see a specialist nurse have better access to information which is tailored to their specialist needs.
Epilepsy nurses empower people to get on with their lives.
But we don’t have enough of them.
Based on guidelines there should be three times as many as there are.
That’s why I’m backing the Epilepsy Scotland campaign for more specialist nurses.
If you back this campaign, write to your MSP.
For further information log onto http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Sun tan dangers
We are still obsessed with having a sun tan.
Too many people still take risks during the summer and believe that slapping on lotion and lying out to fry in the sun is somehow healthy and desirable.
The recent tragic and untimely death of Tommy Burns from skin cancer is a stark reminder of the dangers this disease can bring.
And to compound the problem too many people dive into sunbed parlours with no thought to the consequences.
My colleague Ken Macintosh has been campaigning on the dangers these parlours can cause.
He has proposed a Bill to the Scottish Parliament to bring in new regulations for the sun bed industry.
The Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee has agreed to extend new controls on sunbed parlours to the sale or hire of sunbeds.
Not only will there be a ban on unstaffed premises, an age restriction of 18 will be applied to the sale or hire of sunbeds as well as to using sunbed parlours.
It can’t be right that children as young as ten can access these parlours.
Nor can it be right that anyone can use these unattended machines on our high streets without supervision.
Skin cancer is on the rise in this country and it’s one disease that we can actually do something about.
Carers Week
Last week saw the annual recognition of the role carers play in our society.
I am pleased that this year, particular attention has been given to the role played by young carers.
Here in Renfrewshire, the Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre has always highlighted the significant contribution made by young carers.
This is now being taken up across Scotland.
The Young Carers’ Festival in September will be an opportunity for young carers to relax, and also put across their views to the people who make the decisions.
I’m sure Renfrewshire will be well represented.
New Address
I’ve had to move office. If anyone wants to write to me, please take a note of my new address, St James Business Centre, Linwood Road, Paisley, PA3 3AT . My telephone number remains the same 0141 848 7361
19 Sept 2008
C difficile speech in Parliament 11th. September 2008
Hugh Henry : Other speakers have made it clear that clostridium difficile-associated disease is not just a problem in one hospital.
On 5 September, the Paisley Daily Express reported that the fact that there had "been eight cases of the deadly Clostridium Difficile infection in one ward at the Paisley hospital over a four-week period ... was a contributory factor in the death of one patient", so it is clear that people in my constituency are worried about what is happening in our hospitals.
I welcome the content and tone of the cabinet secretary's speech.
I thought that she made some helpful comments and recognised the scale of the problem.
This is a debate on which we should try to reach some common ground on behalf of the wider public.
People will not forgive us if we are seen to squabble for party-political reasons over an issue on which there is general agreement.
I worry that the cabinet secretary might inadvertently—I am not suggesting that she is doing so deliberately—be teasing people with the possibility of a public inquiry.
She said that she did not rule out such an inquiry, but that issue is separated out in the amendment, which is otherwise similar to Labour's motion.
I hope that during the day, the cabinet secretary might reflect on where we are.
We do not want to give out a signal to the general public that politicians are squabbling and cannot agree on taking serious action on a significant issue.
I hope that we will send out a clear message that we are intent on improving the situation in our hospitals.
Several speakers have highlighted the problem.
Christine Grahame was right to mention some of the cultural and practical issues in our hospitals.
Staff are not deliberately casual, but the fact that they can move from one institution to another and not have any long-term commitment to a hospital can cause problems.
Like the cabinet secretary, I have experience of elderly relatives suffering hospital-acquired infections.
The state of cleanliness of some wards leaves a lot to be desired.
There seems to be some confusion about who is responsible for cleaning certain things at certain times.
Sometimes unclean and unsafe conditions are left for far too long.
Jackie Baillie made a good point about inspection.
Why is it that we can find out about the tea bar at the Vale of Leven hospital, but we cannot find out before we go into a hospital whether it has a bad record, relative to other hospitals, on cleanliness and hospital-acquired infection?
We should put such information into the public domain.
Before they go into a particular hospital, patients should have the right to access the data for that hospital.
I see no reason why we cannot have unannounced inspections of the cleaning and safety standards in hospitals.
It is a concern that more progress seems to be being made on the issue in England than is being made here.
We should be big enough to learn from what is happening elsewhere.
I acknowledge that time is short and that other members want to speak.
Suffice it to say that we must find a way of coming together to take action on what is a significant issue for the public.
There is an opportunity for us to have further debate on inspection regimes and other specific issues on which practical suggestions have been made.
The last thing that we should do on such a major issue that has had tragic consequences is divide along party-political lines over of what will be seen as splitting hairs and playing with words.
On 5 September, the Paisley Daily Express reported that the fact that there had "been eight cases of the deadly Clostridium Difficile infection in one ward at the Paisley hospital over a four-week period ... was a contributory factor in the death of one patient", so it is clear that people in my constituency are worried about what is happening in our hospitals.
I welcome the content and tone of the cabinet secretary's speech.
I thought that she made some helpful comments and recognised the scale of the problem.
This is a debate on which we should try to reach some common ground on behalf of the wider public.
People will not forgive us if we are seen to squabble for party-political reasons over an issue on which there is general agreement.
I worry that the cabinet secretary might inadvertently—I am not suggesting that she is doing so deliberately—be teasing people with the possibility of a public inquiry.
She said that she did not rule out such an inquiry, but that issue is separated out in the amendment, which is otherwise similar to Labour's motion.
I hope that during the day, the cabinet secretary might reflect on where we are.
We do not want to give out a signal to the general public that politicians are squabbling and cannot agree on taking serious action on a significant issue.
I hope that we will send out a clear message that we are intent on improving the situation in our hospitals.
Several speakers have highlighted the problem.
Christine Grahame was right to mention some of the cultural and practical issues in our hospitals.
Staff are not deliberately casual, but the fact that they can move from one institution to another and not have any long-term commitment to a hospital can cause problems.
Like the cabinet secretary, I have experience of elderly relatives suffering hospital-acquired infections.
The state of cleanliness of some wards leaves a lot to be desired.
There seems to be some confusion about who is responsible for cleaning certain things at certain times.
Sometimes unclean and unsafe conditions are left for far too long.
Jackie Baillie made a good point about inspection.
Why is it that we can find out about the tea bar at the Vale of Leven hospital, but we cannot find out before we go into a hospital whether it has a bad record, relative to other hospitals, on cleanliness and hospital-acquired infection?
We should put such information into the public domain.
Before they go into a particular hospital, patients should have the right to access the data for that hospital.
I see no reason why we cannot have unannounced inspections of the cleaning and safety standards in hospitals.
It is a concern that more progress seems to be being made on the issue in England than is being made here.
We should be big enough to learn from what is happening elsewhere.
I acknowledge that time is short and that other members want to speak.
Suffice it to say that we must find a way of coming together to take action on what is a significant issue for the public.
There is an opportunity for us to have further debate on inspection regimes and other specific issues on which practical suggestions have been made.
The last thing that we should do on such a major issue that has had tragic consequences is divide along party-political lines over of what will be seen as splitting hairs and playing with words.
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