INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Ever since the date for the Independence Referendum was announced it feels like Scotland has been put on hold.

Issues that clearly matter to working people have been put to one side.   Thankfully the end is almost near with only six weeks to go.  

Those campaigners from Yes and No will soon be joined by staff from the Electoral Registration office on your doorstep.   But they will not be looking to find out your voting intention but simply to make sure you are registered to do so.

It was revealed last week that nearly a million people living in Scotland are still not registered.

You shouldn’t leave it to others to express your view. You don’t want to wake up the day after the referendum and wish you had voted or got involved in the campaign.

It is really important that the final decision of the Scottish people is conclusive. To ensure that we settle this issue once and for all it is important to vote. A return to what we all recognise as normal politics is the prize.

The last chance you will be able to register to vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum is Tuesday 2nd September (less than four weeks away).

Whether it’s ‘Aye’ or ‘Naw’ just make sure you sign up. You can do so by visiting www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Monday 28th July 2014

HEALTH INEQUALITIES

The great health divide is one of the biggest challenges we face as a society.

Despite the best efforts of successive governments and their raft of strategies and initiatives, stark health inequalities still exist between the poorest and richest parts of the country.

Indeed, males who live in poorer areas in Scotland can live 20 years less than those in better off areas.

Here in Inverclyde, mortality rates from all causes including coronary heart disease are higher than the Scottish average.

The Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, which I convene, is currently conducting an inquiry to see how the health gap can be reduced.

One of the clear messages coming from those who have given evidence is that we can’t view health inequalities in isolation.

Poor health is also a product of such things as low pay, lack of jobs and educational opportunities and poor housing.

To reduce health inequalities, health measures on their own are important, but won’t suffice. As one of the bodies providing evidence put it “The fundamental challenge presented is how we tackle unjust inequities across society as a whole.”

Another key message coming from witnesses to our inquiry is the importance of early intervention. By providing children with a healthy, nurturing, stable environment early on, the better the chance they will have of living a long and healthy life.

Tackling health inequalities is not simply a matter of social justice.   As one economist said in his appearance before the committee “the earlier in life that a pound is spent, the greater the economic benefit.” It would seem that it makes good economic sense as well.

Monday 21st July 2014

TAIL O’ THE BANK CREDIT UNION 

I was delighted to be invited to the 30^th Anniversary celebration of the Tail O’ The Bank credit union.

While talking to the volunteers, we recalled the work of the Rev Ian Fraser, East End Community Minister and Father Thomas Jamieson, Parish Priest at St Lawrence’s Church who joined forces with the community to bring about the east end credit union.

The old payment cards, the volunteers sitting at a table in the old St Lawrence’s School.   This work was enhanced over many years taking the credit union from strength to strength which went on to become the Tail O’ The Bank credit union that we know today.

The hard work and the legacy of the founders is in good hands.   From a small and extremely busy office in Kilblain Street they now have four part-time members of staff who are ably supported by thirteen volunteers, who as well as giving of their free time also hold down full-time jobs.

Together they are providing a great service to over 5,000 adult members and 1100 children under 18, who regularly make saving deposits.   But they are not resting on their laurels.  They are ambitious and hope to reach out into workplaces and schools, which in turn will secure the future of the Tail O’ The Bank credit union for the next 30 years.

Monday 14^th July 2014

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY 

Scotland and Inverclyde has lost too many young lives to addiction.  The tragic nature of addiction makes the lack of progress so frustrating.

Faced with the scale of the problem with so many people parked on methadone the Scottish Government, with the support of the Scottish Parliament, produced just over six years ago a new strategy entitled Road to Recovery but progress has been very slow.

Drug deaths remain very high in Inverclyde Royal Hospital alone.   There were over 300 visits to their Accident & Emergency Department last year.   This is not just an issue that affects Inverclyde it is reflected right across the country.

The percentage of people saying that drug dealing/drug abuse, highlighted by the Greenock Telegraph, is either very or fairly common in their area since the government published its strategy has remained relatively static. Indeed, in the most recent survey 44% of people interviewed said this was the case.

The number of incidences of drug possession in Scotland recorded by the police has also remained roughly the same with 29,000 recorded in the last financial year alone.

And the number of hospital drug related discharges has remained stubbornly high with over 5,000 in 2012/13.

These statistics show that we have a long way to go before we put Scotland back on the Road to Recovery.

The Scottish Government must match it’s rhetoric on this issue and act not only for the individuals who lives who are ruined by drug misuse, but for the families who suffer at the hands of addiction and the communities that have to contend with the crime and anti-social behaviour that it creates.

Monday 7th July 2014

CHEERS TO THE VOLUNTEERS

Local volunteers are the magic ingredient that holds communities together. According to Volunteer Scotland – the national body for volunteering – each year, 30% of adults give over 160 million hours of precious time in a vast range of community settings.

 So it was great pleasure to back a recent motion in Parliament congratulating the charity on its 30^th Anniversary.

 On this celebration, I think it’s worth reminding ourselves what Inverclyde would be like without its volunteers both young and old.

 Well, for one, there would be fewer food banks for families struggling with the cost of living.

 There would be nobody to manage the local kids’ football teams or the boxing club in Port Glasgow. There would be no starter packs. There would be far fewer people to care for our elderly.

 And the local Samaritans Branch which gives emotional support in a range of situations, from those that have experienced abuse or are suffering from a family bereavement, to people who have lost their job would have to close.

 These are just some examples which highlight the importance of volunteers to our local community. I’m sure you could list many more.

 All in all the giving spirit of our volunteers make Inverclyde the strong, resilient community that it is.Their work is a reminder to all of us that in an increasingly sceptical world, there are good people out there, dedicating their energy to helping others.

 On the 30^th Anniversary of Volunteer Scotland I hope you will join me in saying cheers to the volunteers.

Monday 30th June 2014

PRESSURES ON THE NHS

 “What I have seen over the past five years is the continuing crisis management of the longest car crash in history – and it’s time for our politicians to face up to  the challenge”

These were not the words of a politician but one of Scotland’s top doctors – Dr Brian Keighley the outgoing chair of the British Medical Association.

In his speech to the BMA’s annual conference he listed a raft of symptoms that show that all is not well with our NHS.

The crisis in out-of-hours health care provision. The huge queues at A&E. Increases in Bed Blocking. Vital cancer treatments being delayed. GP’s coping with a 20% increased workload. And staff shortages.

But Dr Keighley is not the only one to have raised concerns. We’ve had the General Medical Council raise concerns last year that nearly 20 per cent of junior doctors were short of sleep because of their shift patterns.

In a survey the Royal College of Nursing found that over half of nurses are working more than their contracted hours each week so that they can meet demand, with 58 per cent saying they are under too much pressure.

And just last week, Healthcare Improvement Scotland – the country’s inspection watchdog -  found patients being moved wards at the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow to meet the demands of the service rather than their clinical need.

In his closing remarks to the conference Dr Keighley said: “It is now time for our politicians, whatever their party, whatever the outcome on 18^th September, to recognise the long-term viability of our National Health Service”

He’s right of course. After the Referendum there will be no hiding place for government or politicians from whatever party there from.