Lothian MSP Miles Briggs visited Leith Academy yesterday to talk with their S3 modern studies class. The visit was organised so that pupils could ask Miles about his role as an MSP.
It was an opportunity for the politician to listen to the ideas and concerns of young people in Scotland.
Miles Briggs said: “I always enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with my constituents. The young modern studies pupils at Leith Academy asked very insightful questions about my role as an MSP.”
When Health Secretary Shona Robison announced in 2016 the closure of the East of Scotland cleft surgery unit in Edinburgh – which Lothian MSP Miles Briggs and parents campaigned hard against – she reassured people that “local outreach clinics, will continue to be delivered locally as they are now, across Scotland.” https://news.gov.scot/news/cleft-surgery-recommendation
A Written Answer (see below) shows that in two areas local clinics stopped altogether in 2017 with no indication of when they might start again. This means extra travelling and inconvenience for families, as well as having limited dates when they can be seen.
There has been a reduction in the number of Multi-Disciplinary Clinics (MDC) in Edinburgh, with only fortnightly appointments available.
The service is also still short of the third surgeon that it needs.
Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP said: “It is very apparent that the SNP Ministers decision to centralise the Cleft Palate Service has been a disaster.
“The families of babies and young people who require the service are the ones losing with an inferior service being provided.
“I am particularly concerned that parents are being forced to travel so far for appointments, often having to make longer journeys than the recommended limit for new born babies.”
Evonne McLatchie, lead campaigner to save the Edinburgh cleft unit, comments: “Parents in the East are angry but not the least surprised as the promises Ms Robison made were as predicted not worth the paper they were printed on.
“Many families in the East don’t even have correct contact details and it is parents that are driving patient reviews and consultations for their children having to resort to asking questions on Facebook to get answers for their concerns and then chasing up appointments.
“Shona Robison stated repeatedly that centralisation would improve care, especially if a surgeon was off- that has yet to be proven!
“The majority of parents are afraid to voice concerns as they have to work with the service for perhaps the next 20 years and despite assurances that any complaint won’t affect care they simply don’t want to risk it.”
A Bill allowing the Scottish Government to make the first social security payments later this year has been passed by Parliament. Last night’s unanimous vote means MSPs have passed the Social Security (Scotland) Bill establishing Scotland’s first social security system. Continue reading Holyrood passes landmark Social Security Bill
MSPs have debated the need for more defibrillator machines in communities across Scotland. Yesterday’s debate was secured by a motion from SNP MSP Stuart McMillan commending Show Some Heart, the Jayden Orr campaign. Continue reading Briggs praises defibrillator campaigns in Holyrood debate
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has tabled a motion at Parliament congratulating Edinburgh Accies Rugby club on their promotion to the BT Premiership. Continue reading MSP congratulates Edinburgh Accies on promotion to top flight
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has signed the pledge to #saynotopuppydealers in order to help combat illegal puppy farming and is urging others to do the same. Continue reading MSP pledges to #saynotopuppydealers
As part of its ongoing inquiry into the use of remand in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee visited Circle Scotland in West Pilton yesterday. Continue reading Holyrood’s Justice Committee visits West Pilton
Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Independent Convenience Stores, Gordon Macdonald MSP, is encouraging Edinburgh residents to shop locally and support the 18,710 small businesses in the local economy. Continue reading Keep it local, says Edinburgh MSP
Scotland Week is being marked by the Scottish Parliament as a delegation visits New York, Québec City and Washington DC.
The delegation, led by the Presiding Officer, and comprising Johann Lamont MSP and Clare Haughey MSP, took part in the annual Tartan Day parade alongside Grand Marshall KT Tunstall – the first female Grand Marshall in the parade’s 20 year history. The MSPs joined pipers, bands and dancers as they make their way down New York’s Sixth Avenue. Continue reading Scotland Week: Transatlantic sessions for MSPs
It is particularly relevant during 2018 Year of Young People to focus on the education of young people on lifestyle choices that can significantly risk the chance of getting cancer. The Teenager Cancer Trust’s education and awareness programme is now able to reach 80% of secondary schools in Scotland and Miles Briggs, the Scottish Conseratives health spokesman, supports their aim to achieve 100% coverage. Continue reading Briggs Commends Education for Young People on Cancer Prevention
