02 September 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, is urging the Scottish Government and Cal Mac to look again at ferry capacity and timetables.

It comes after revelations that more camper vans than ever are travelling to and from the Western Isles.

Mrs Grant said: “There is a real concern about the lack of capacity on all the routes to the Western Isles.

“I have been told of numerous occasions when people living in Stornoway and Castlebay who need to journey to the mainland at short notice and cannot get a car onto the ferry.

“The RET pilot has increased the number of visitors using the service but this has disadvantaged for local people.

“A certain number of vehicle places should be held back for late release in order to allow locals, who rely on ferries to get to the mainland, to be able to access services at short notice for family or work requirements. “

Mrs Grant added: “We’re clearly seeing how popular these particular routes are proving with passengers, and along with the increased number of tourists, it makes sense for the Scottish Government and Cal Mac to look again at their routes and timetables.

“More frequent and better services make sense both for the tourists visiting the isles but also those locals who see the routes as a vital lifeline.”

09 July 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP, is thanking people on the Isle of Skye for their feed back on Skye Health Services.

Most respondents voice their concerns about the impact of potential widespread service cuts, not just bed closures.
Mrs Grant said: “Having attended the meeting with NHS Highland at the Skye Gathering Hall I am aware of the tremendous concern that exists among the people of Skye.

“These worries are reflected in the response to our questionnaire.

“Almost two hundred have been returned, which is a 20% response rate and feedback is still arriving daily at my constituency office.

Mrs Grant added: “Most people have indicated they want to be involved in any NHS consultations and most agreed that there should be two hospitals on the isle.

“People on Skye have a clear idea of what they want from their health services.

“The information we have collated so far will be passed onto NHS Highland and it is vital that they take note of what the people using their services want.”

The questionnaire can be downloaded at :

http://www.handimsps.org.uk/skyeservices.pdf

22 June 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, is calling on Royal Mail to instate a full postal service at their Applecross branch in Wester Ross.
The group recently informed MSPs that the branch will close temporarily in June following the resignation of its subpostmaster.
It is currently opened 17 hours a week, which local community groups believe will reduced to ten.
Mrs Grant said: “The limited hours that are already on offer to residents mean that it is already difficult for people to access services.
“Post Offices provide vital services for those living in remote and rural communities
“These services should be retained, not reduced, especially in areas where there is an elderly population.
“The Applecross community are understandably upset by the prospect of fewer trading hours at the branch as they are 19 miles away from the nearest bank of cash machine.”
Mrs Grant added: “The local community council have raised their concerns over the Post Office’ lack of communication with them during recent months.
“They also highlighted those within the community, who would be interested in taking over the running of the service, are being put off by the ten hour working week.
“I have contacted the Post Office, and I am hopeful that the post office will see sense and do their best to keep this vital service within Applecross.”

17 June 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP is congratulating everyone who took part in this years National Samaritan Walk.

116 people walked between 16 and 29 miles to raise money for their local branches.

Mrs Grant said: “The walk was a tremendous success, with £5,000 being raised by the Inverness branch of Samaritans, who also helped organise the event.

“It also brought together groups of people from across the UK and Ireland.

“The Highland Hotel and Inchbrae Lodge need to also be congratulated as they donated free accommodation to the walkers who took part.”

Mrs Grant added: “The Samaritans are vital for supporting people who need emotional support, at all times in their lives and it is important that their work and their efforts are recognised.”

Rhoda Grant’s parliamentary motion :
That the Parliament congratulates the 116 walkers from across the United Kingdom and Ireland who took part in the 2009 National Samaritan Walk in Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, on Saturday 13 June 2009 who walked between 16 and 29 miles to raise funds for their local Samaritan Branches; notes that approximately £5,000 was raised for the Inverness Branch who also organised this event; further notes that the North British Hotels Trust, along with other local businesses including the Highland Hotel and the Inchbrae Lodge, donated free accommodation to the walkers, and commends the work of the Samaritans who provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair

16 June 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, has voiced her concerns over the threat of closure of the Polytunnel Garden on Barra.
The issue was brought to her attention by a constituent on the isle.
Mrs Grant said: “there seems to be an issue with regard to the funding of this particular horticultural project, and there are now question marks over it’s future.
“The Polytunnel had previously been funded with European Union cash, but that now appears to have run out.
“This would have very damaging long term effects on the vulnerable members of the community who are helped by the project.
Mrs Grant added: “I have written to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar about the issue.
“There could be other funding options available to keep this vital service up and running and it is important that all options are fully explored.”

5 June 2009

Roda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional MSP, is one of many women who took to the streets of Inverness earlier this month as part of the second Bra Nicht Moonlight Walk.
The event started last year as a fundraiser, generating £14,000.
Mrs Grant said: “I was delighted to take part in the second Bra Nicht Moonlight Walk. It is a fantastic event, raising money for local groups.
“Last year, £14,000 was generated.
“Half of that was donated to Highland Breast Cancer Care, with the rest going to Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice Bureau.
“These services provide vital help to people and their families who are living with cancer and its effects.
Mrs Grant added: “I have tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament, acknowledging the success of last years event and also congratulating those who are taking part this year to help those in need.”
Louise Innes, one of the Bra Nicht Moonlight Walk’s organisers, said: “We hoped to build on the success of last year when 210 people took part in the walk.
“e aimed to get 1000 people involved this year, and 1050 have already registered which is truly fantastic.
“We are delighted at the support we have received and already planed to make the event bigger and better in the future.
“This year there are a few surprises in store at the beginning, during the walk and also at the finishing line to make sure that the women have a really enjoyable night while supporting a very worthwhile cause.
“The support we have received from local businesses and people like Rhoda is invaluable and the more people we have backing us in future the better.”

Rhoda Grant’s motion tabled in the Scottish Parliament

That the Parliament welcomes the Bra Nicht Moonlight Walk which is taking place in Inverness on Saturday 6th June 2009 to raise awareness of and money for breast cancer in the Highlands; notes that the inaugural walk last year raised £14,000 of which £7,000 was donated to the Highland Breast Care Association for the benefit of those with breast cancer and £7,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support who, along with Citizens Advice, provide support to people with cancer who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of their illness; and congratulates all those participating in the moonlight walk to help raise awareness of and raise money for breast cancer.

09 June 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, is urging the people of Skye to voice their opinions about future of health service delivery in Skye.

Last month, NHS Highland cut the number of beds available in Skye Hospitals in order to save money, a move which has been criticised by many locals.

The health board also intimated that they intend to look at the future delivery of health services in Skye.

Mrs Grant said:” People are wary of this process given their views were not sought on the bed cuts.

“Peter Peacock, David Stewart and I are getting in touch with people across Skye to hear their views.

“They have raised plenty of concerns that their views were not being heard, and any consultation which will affect people so dramatically needs to be inclusive.

“We are urging anyone who has any views to get in touch with our office.

“They can complete a questionnaire which is available on our website, http://www.handimsps.org.uk/skyeservices.pdf , we will then pass these views to NHS Highland.

Mrs Grant added: “I am glad the health board appear to be getting the message from people and have cancelled a workshop that was due to be held this month.

“They will now have to look at how they can take the views of the community on the services they wish to see before consulting on any proposals.”

03 June 2009

This week has been dominated by health issues.
I met with representatives of NHS Highland recently and they gave me information on the C diff outbreak at Caithness General Hospital and how they had dealt with it.
This is a terrible infection that only really hits those who are already in poor health.
It is highly infectious, which is why people should be isolated and barrier nursing methods put in place.
Visitors to patients need to be very aware of the action they should take.
The alcohol gels available at the hospital do not kill C diff – people need to wash their hands with soap and water.
This is especially crucial for people visiting more than one person at the hospital.
At parliament we debated swine flu.
The outbreak appears to be limited and those affected have only had mild symptoms – this is apart from the man in Glasgow who had previous complex health problems.
We can only hope that this the extent of the outbreak, but the professionals appear to be concerned that it may return in the autumn or winter and prove to be much worse.
We hope for the best and plan for the worst.
I spoke about the need to make sure that rural areas had adequate resources.
The Government information suggests everyone have flu buddies but this is not always feasible in remote areas where it’s not just a quick jog down the street to pick up medicines and supplies.
Health service workers are also more thinly spread in rural areas and we need to have contingencies in place to make sure that there is adequate cover should they be affected.
This is also the case with frontline workers throughout our services.
Home carers have a crucial role to play, however very little has been said about information and support to them.
I flagged it up as a real issue.
They are often forgotten but provide frontline services to our most vulnerable and need to be valued and protected in that role.

This article first appeared in the John O’Groats Journal and Caithness Courier

29 May 2009

That was the plea from the North’s three Labour MSPs this week as they launch a campaign to persuade the Government to take action on the growing congestion on the Kessock Bridge.

Their campaign to ease congestion is underway, already with the backing of people in Ross-shire.

The MSPs will also seek meetings with Transport Scotland, the Highland Council, HITRANS as well as local businesses to push the issue up the political agenda.

Peter Peacock said: “The Kessock Bridge is a key transport route which links the north to Inverness and beyond.

“Over the last twenty years, travelling to and from East Ross, the Black Isle and further north has been revolutionised by its existence.

“We want to find a long term solution to the growing problem and get the issue up the political agenda and we need people to make their voices heard if the share our view.

“As every year goes past the frustration of drivers’ grows.

“The queues now regularly extend back from the Longman Road roundabout right across the bridge and, although moving slowly across, are reminiscent of the queues that used to form either side of the old Kessock ferry crossing.”

Rhoda Grant said: “Most commuters from Ross-shire who use the bridge daily to travel to and from work have found their travel time has increased, along with the volume of traffic.

“Waiting times of fifteen, twenty minutes to cross the bridge aren’t uncommon.

“The long term solution is likely mean some kind of grade separated junction at the south end of the bridge, as well as park and ride schemes and the like on the north side and further improvements to rail and bus services to help ease the traffic pressure.

“Any improvements won for the Inverness trunk link route will also help.”

David Stewart said: “Amazingly the Kessock Bridge where it meets the roundabout on the Longman Road was not even mentioned in the Strategic Transport Projects Review as being an issue.

“As matters stand nothing is even going to be considered before 2020, but the delays on the bridge, which is one of the main arteries to the North and South of Scotland, will only increase if the problem isn’t addressed.

“There will not be a quick fix to the problem.

” We know from responses we received to a small survey in the area just how fed up people are with the problem and we will be giving people the chance to show their support over the coming weeks.

The MSPs also urged people to give them their experiences of using the bridge.

“This can be done by visiting their website, http://www.handimsps.org.uk/, and clicking on the ‘End the Kessock Queues’ link.

The petition can also be accessed via – http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/endthekessockqueues/index.html

27 May 2009

It is fair to say that the public are at best bemused by the flu pandemic.
At first, there was fear about what was happening, but people are now almost annoyed that their worst fears have not been realised.
We should be delighted about that. I am sure that it is due to a number of factors, including the time of year, the steps that our Governments have taken to manage the spread of the virus, and the work of our health professionals.
However, there are issues of concern and confusion.
Why were people not told when they might have come into contact with people at concerts or on aeroplanes?
What is close contact?
Why have some passengers been traced while others have not?
I dare say that the episode is a learning curve, but we need to be clear about the lessons to be learned so far and ensure that that information is in the public domain.
Although this debate might not appear to be the timeliest, it gives the opportunity for that information to be aired and put into the public domain.
People need to be able to understand what has happened, what difference the management of the outbreak has made and what precautions they should take for the future.
For example, why, as we have been told, could the virus recur later in the year with very different consequences?
We need clear information to ensure that people do not become blasé about the threat and relax their vigilance during a subsequent outbreak.
I will concentrate on how remote and rural areas will be served during an outbreak.
The Government has suggested that people organise a network of flu friends, made up of neighbours who would get shopping and medicines for those affected.
In an urban area, that might mean just a quick run down the road, but in rural areas, it requires a much greater time commitment.
After all, shops, GP surgeries and pharmacies can be many miles away.
In fact, for those who live on some of our islands, a ferry trip can be required.
Although neighbours in rural areas tend to go the extra mile, I am not sure that the flu friends proposal will always be such a practical solution.
Indeed, Jamie Stone highlighted concerns about “sparsity and distance” with regard to NHS Highland; the health board says that it is looking at the issue but, as far as I can see, no one has found a solution.
We must find ways of distributing medicines quickly to remote areas and of ensuring that there are sufficient medical professionals to administer them when required.
At today’s meeting of the Health and Sport Committee, we considered a statutory instrument that will relax the regulations on medicine storage if we happen to find ourselves in a pandemic.
However, as Mary Scanlon has pointed out, the press at the weekend reported concerns about the storage of vaccines.
Has the issue been resolved, and will it have any impact on the availability of vaccines and medicines in a flu outbreak?
Are there special conditions for the storage of vaccines and Tamiflu? If so, is the Government satisfied that they are available in enough locations?
Given that medical professionals in rural locations have to cover very large geographical areas, have plans been drawn up to deal with the real challenge of finding replacements if they fall ill?
Moreover, a lot of staff time in rural areas is being taken up with travelling to and attending planning meetings.
We need to find ways of spreading information that do not require taking staff away from their day-to-day work.
Other public services face the same challenges.
For example, the home care staff who deal with vulnerable people need to have their roles carefully considered as part of those plans; after all, if carers fall ill, vulnerable people might be left without a lifeline.
We need emergency provision to ensure that that does not happen.
We also need to consider the role that home carers, who often have several clients, might play in spreading the virus to vulnerable people.
What training have they received in preventing the spread of the virus, and what support is in place to ensure that they have the information that they need?
Furthermore, although most home carers are employed by local government, that is not always the case, and we need to be able to reach those who work only for private clients.
We also need to consider the many other public services that involve contact with a large number of people.
Will front-line staff and people who work in jobs where they are likely to come in contact with people be treated differently from the majority of the population?
For example, because they come into contact with a lot of people, those who work in our transport system must be more vulnerable to infection than others and more likely to spread the virus.
When a vaccine becomes available, will those people be given priority?
Indeed, will people with chronic illnesses also be given priority?
The general public need to know the answers to those questions if they are to be prepared for any deterioration in the situation.
Dealing with a real situation over a long period of time will show us where our systems are working and where they need to be updated and changed.
When the outbreak has passed, we will need to scrutinise fully what has taken place and learn from it
In the meantime, the most vulnerable in our society and the front-line staff who deliver public services must be protected if the outbreak escalates.
I hope that in her summing-up the Minister for Public Health and Sport will clarify some of the issues that I have raised.