MS Society Scotland were in the Scottish Parliament during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week (23 – 29 April) to raise awareness of the important role research plays in the lives of people affected by MS. Continue reading Briggs pledges support for Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign
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 PIONEERING new research lab will explore ways in which blockchain technology can protect personal data from online scammers and hackers. The laboratory will be built at Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus as part of a £600,000 collaboration between the university and Hong Kong-based Blockpass. Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has welcomed the announcement. Continue reading Cyber Security: Napier building the world’s first advanced Blockchain Identity Laboratory
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
AN Edinburgh Napier academic is leading a global study into the long-term health of elite athletes. Dr Debbie Palmer, an associate professor and researcher in sports injury and illness prevention, is fronting the huge project launched today by the World Olympians Association. Continue reading Olympian task for Debbie: Napier academic to lead elite athlete study
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
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has been contacted by constituents who are expressing serious concerns about the future of the single GP practice at Sighthill Health centre. Continue reading Crisis: single GP surgeries ‘under threat,’ says Briggs
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson is calling on people across Edinburgh to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed. Continue reading Tackling the scourge of loneliness
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs is encouraging local people to take part in a new clinic trial. Breast Cancer Now is calling for new volunteers in the Edinburgh area to train as lifestyle coaches to deliver a major breast cancer risk reduction trial. Continue reading Briggs encourages Lothian residents to volunteer as lifestyle coaches
