Paisley Daily Express - 16 November 2011

Fewer Nurses

There seems to be a growing intolerance from SNP Ministers, of anyone who dares to criticise their actions. Recently, in a Health debate in the Scottish Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon suggested that Labour concerns about fewer nurses in the NHS, was talking down the NHS. She conveniently ignored the fact that MSPs like myself, are regularly contacted by nurses, who complain about falling staffing levels, increased workload, and concerns about patient welfare. How can we be talking down the NHS if we repeat what nurses say? We would be failing in our duties if we did not respond.

I pointed out that the SNP manifesto claimed that the SNP had increased the number of nurses in the NHS and that in this Parliament, they would continue the progress which had been made.

The facts don’t back this up. From September 2009 to January 2011, the number of nurses in the NHS fell by nearly 2,000. More posts are scheduled to go. This is affecting health care here in Renfrewshire. We know times are tough and that hard decisions will need to be made. But there should be some honesty in the discussion. Let’s cut out the spin. Alex Salmond is trying to use his majority to dampen down debate and scrutiny.

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon should admit that there are now fewer nurses employed in the NHS. They owe an explanation not to the opposition parties, but to the doctors, nurses and staff across the NHS. Above all they owe it to the public, which needs to be assured that the Scottish Government is not gambling with the health and wellbeing of patients.

Remembrance Sunday

On Remembrance Sunday, I joined with thousands of others across the UK, to remember those who fought and died in war and conflict. I remembered my father’s generation who fought in the Second World War, and I reflected on the effects it had on many who survived. And the same is true today. Many young soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many more will carry the consequences for the rest of their lives.

We often debate the rights and wrongs of certain ward and conflicts. Politicians ultimately make the decision to send our young men and women to war. If they are in the armed forces, they don’t have a choice or say in the matter. They do their duty and they do it with courage and honour.

The wearing of the Poppy and attending these events, does not signify support for the glorification of war or killing. It gives us the chance to remember that there were many who laid down their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy. It gives us the chance to reflect that there are many innocents on all sides in wars and that it is ordinary people who suffer. And hopefully to remind us that our duty to those who were maimed and injured does not stop when they leave the armed forces.

Smoking in Cars?

Last week the British Medical Association said there was “compelling” evidence for extending the smoking ban to include vehicles. Not everyone agrees with the ban on smoking in public places. There is no doubt however, that most people welcome smoke free restaurants, cafes and pubs.

There is a particular worry where children travel in cars. Medical evidence suggests that exposure to smoke in such confines space, can put children at risk. My instinct is that we should protect children from harm caused by others. I would be interested to know what my constituents think. Let me know.

Cancer Care Lottery

The Roy Castle Foundation recently published a report on cancer rates in Scotland. Scotland still has the worst rates of cancer in the UK. Once again we see a post code lottery of care in Scotland, for cancer sufferers. I want the Scottish Government to do more to ensure quality of treatment, no matter where a patient lives. The current waiting time to see a cancer specialist should be halved in the lifetime of this Parliament. It’s time for action. 

Paisley Daily Express - 2 November 2011

Stop Knives, Better Lives

All too often we hear of the consequences of knife crime in Renfrewshire and across Scotland. We know the tragedy and grief which knife crime causes.  Carrying a knife is not a badge of honour - and it’s not a way to protect yourself. For too many people, the idiotic mistake of carrying or using a knife because you think it makes you hard or invincible has a huge impact on those attacked and on the families affected. It can blight local communities.

The Paisley Daily Express has been at the forefront of the local campaign to warn young people about the consequences of carrying a knife.

I was also delighted to see the initiative from the Johnstone Burgh FC. Their under 14 strip features the paisley Daily Express. “Stop Knives, Save Lives” logo. Craig Donohue, the club manager, and all those involved in the team, are to be congratulated for convincing the football authorities that the message should be displayed on the jersey.

I welcome the recent news that the Scottish Government’s anti knife campaigning is having an impact. Here in Renfrewshire there has been a reported drop of 29% knife crime over the last year. I hope that similar results will be produced as the scheme is rolled out across Scotland.

Nevertheless there is no doubt that we need to take tough action to tackle knife crime and the Government needs to remain vigilant. But we can all do our bit to highlight this problem. The commitment of local papers, like the Paisley Daily Express is invaluable. Hopefully, together, we can see a lasting improvement. 

Postcode Health

Recently published figures show that on average,  life expectancy in Scotland continues to be the lowest in the country. It’s a damning indictment that seven of the ten areas with lowest life expectancy in the UK are in Scotland. But even within Scotland there are huge variations.

Men and women living in Glasgow City continue to have the lowest life expectancy in the whole of the UK.   There are parts of my own constituency where life expectancy is lower than the national average.

How long you live should not be determined by the postcode you are born into  or live in. It’s scandalous that health inequality remains so stubbornly linked to income levels, poverty and deprivation.

Poverty traps too many too early. It remains too persistent to be tolerated in a country that aspires to be “healthier and fairer”. These figures should serve as a wake-up call to all politicians to redouble efforts to tackle poverty and healthcare. We are seeing a steady drift of public money to the better off areas of Scotland, just at a time when communities in Renfrewshire are facing cuts.   

The SNP must move on from the constant bickering about the constitution and start delivering on what Scotland really needs, now.  That means stimulating growth and creating jobs to tackle Scotland’s rising unemployment. It also means investing in our young people and ensuring a Living Wage for all.

But above all we need concerted action at an early age to stop more generations of Scots being born into health inequality and lower life expectancy.

Apology to Parliament

Alex Salmond has apologised to the Scottish Parliament for misleading  MSP’s. He said it was the fault of his most senior adviser who made up a false statement purporting to come from a renowned academic. But it’s not good enough just to offer a glib apology. We need to know why Alex Salmond’s senior advisor thought it was acceptable to make up such a statement. I have written to Scotland’s most senior civil servant to urge a full investigation of the facts. The issue related to Alex Salmon’s pursuit of an independence referendum. The people of Scotland need honesty and the full facts before any decision is made to break up the United Kingdom

The Big Lottery

The Big Lottery continues to deliver for Renfrewshire. It’s good to see local organisations receiving help, particularly when Council funding is being squeezed. Congratulations to Johnstone Senior Forum, Walking Tour, Wheels, 2nd Johnstone Boys Brigade, Scottish Wheelchair Dance Association and Linwood High School Parent Council.

If your organisation needs financial help, it might be worth making an application. For further information about the Big Lottery contact  the enquiries team  on 0141 242 1400 or go to www.biglotteryfund.org.uk (link also on this blog under ::community:: tab)