12th October, 2015

A busy week all round

One thing that can’t be said about the Parliamentary week is that it lacks variation. As an MSP you can engage and meet people on a whole range of issues.

Last week began with a visit to the newly refurbished Clydesdale Bank branch on West Blackhall Street to hear about their commitment to local services.  The visit was particularly refreshing when we consider the series of bank closures made on the high street in recent years.

Following my meeting with Clydesdale staff, it was through to Edinburgh for my weekly meeting as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee. I was glad to hear from the Health Minister Jamie Hepburn, that the Scottish Government has accepted one of the key recommendations the health committee made regarding the recent Carers Bill.

In response to concerns raised by carers the committee urged the government to enshrine a discussion about emergency planning in the adult carer support plan in order to give carers the peace of mind they need. If carers face an emergency they need to know that replacement care will get sorted out speedily and efficiently.

This week I also had the privilege of sponsoring an event highlighting the power of human rights to improve people’s health and the care and support they access.The event brought to life the experiences people have had as they challenge the status quo around health and social care.

The final day before the Parliamentary recess MSPs voted unanimously in favour of the general principals of a bill to ban smoking in cars carrying children.  As I said in my speech during the debate, I hope that this bill will send out a clear message about the harmful effects of second hand smoke.

It was a busy week all round but as we go into the Parliamentary recess there will be no let up as I give extra focus to pursing the concerns and issues brought to me by my constituents.