Tag: Scottish Government

Preparing health and social care for winter

Record high NHS 24 workforce to meet increased demand

A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will support the public to access the most appropriate care this winter as services deal with increased demand.

Through the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Winter Preparedness Plan, continued investment for NHS 24 will increase service capacity to provide clinical supervision for at least 150,000 additional calls per year and help prevent unnecessary A&E attendances.

Key measures to support services in the face of increased demand, include; improving discharge planning for patients admitted to acute or community hospitals, maintaining established care at home packages and a Government led delayed discharge response team to directly support Boards in need of assistance. Planned care capacity will also be safeguarded with a continued focus on clearing long waits.

The annual winter vaccination programme, which includes respiratory condition RSV for the first time, will support a reduction in severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality – while protecting health and social care service capacity. The joint plan also sets out action to support the mental health and well-being of service staff through increased flexible working options and dedicated mental health resources.

This year’s plan has been published a month ahead of last year, and earlier than ever before, to allow more time for NHS Boards and care providers to prepare for winter surges in demand.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “As winter approaches, the NHS will see surges in demand across all health, social care and social work services. Our joint Winter Plan with COSLA is just one part of a wider programme of work to respond to heightened demand.

“A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available this winter to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances. We will continue our work to reduce delayed discharge in hospitals with an increased focus on effective discharge planning and protecting care at home packages. We will also ensure planned care capacity is protected as much as possible in the face of winter pressure so patients are seen as quickly as possible.

“We are prioritising frontline services with over £14.2 billion investment in our boards this year – an almost 3% real terms uplift – and also investing £2 billion in social care services.

“I thank all health, social care and social work staff for their continued efforts and dedication to deliver high quality care. It is fundamental we safeguard their wellbeing, and improved options on flexible working and continued access to mental health resources will ensure staff are supported over this challenging period.”

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that people and communities have timely access to quality care and support when they need it most.

“We know that Local Government and Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland are working hard to plan and deliver the essential health and social care services our communities rely on every day.

“The context within which this takes place is increasingly challenging, which is why COSLA have worked jointly with the Scottish Government to produce this plan. Local Government plays a key role in supporting people to experience better wellbeing and better outcomes, so it was only right that this plan reflects the whole system of integrated health and social care, from acute and primary care to social work, our care homes, community settings, and our partners across the sector.

“Winter is often a time of exceptional pressure on our services so I am pleased that this plan, produced with our partners across the sector, reflects the challenges and the opportunities we face.”

Health & Social Care Winter Preparedness Plan for 2024-25

Scottish Government seeks views on building safety levy proposals

Legislation to raise funds for fixing cladding issues

Proposals for a tax on developers, aiming to raise funds to fix building safety issues in Scotland, have been published for public consultation.

Views are being sought on the proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy, which will be introduced under powers due to be devolved by the UK Government later this year. The consultation will open on 23 September and run for eight weeks, closing on 18 November. 

The levy would apply to the construction of new residential buildings, mirroring measures being introduced in England through the UK Building Safety Act. Funds raised would support the Scottish Government’s cladding remediation programme.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “We are keen to hear from people across Scotland about our proposals, which would raise funds from developers to help safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding.

“I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and have continued to make significant progress. This legislation will build on that momentum, ensuring developers make a fair contribution to address building safety defects in Scotland, just as the UK Government is asking them to do in England. 

“We are continuing our work in partnership with developers, in line with our New Deal for Business and Framework for Tax, to ensure this levy best contributes to our mission of keeping people safe.”

Background

Views sought on building safety levy proposals – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Hot Air? Devolved Ministers attend New York Climate Week

Climate Week NYC’s message this year is “It’s Time”: celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition – and it’s time for our politicians to jet off to the Big Apple!

Climate Week NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinises the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen, while pushing the transition into the mainstream of business and government, showing what can be achieved. 

Ministers discussed the need to deliver urgent action on climate change in the three nations, the importance of ensuring a just transition to net zero, and the critical importance of working together towards our shared UK wide goals. 

While each nation faces different challenges and will have its own priorities, the twin imperatives to act now and to act fairly means embracing the benefits of collective action.  

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to share knowledge and experience to help each other make progress on reducing emissions reductions, creating climate resilience and working together to create the conditions for real, lasting and fair change across the three nations. 

Ministers are looking forward to working with the new UK Government Ministerial team to further drive climate action across the UK. 

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin said: “It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building.

“I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29.

“Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments.” 

Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This needs to be the decade of action.

“We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it’s time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales’s success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal.” 

Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: “I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition.

Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change.”

During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.

Scots know if their loved ones prefer ketchup over brown sauce – but not their organ donation decision

  • New Scottish Government campaign encourages people to make their own organ and tissue donation decision and ‘Have the Chat’ with those close to them
  • Organ and Tissue Donation Week runs from 23rd-29th September, with 2024 marking 30 life-saving years of the NHS Organ Donor Register
  • Campaign reminds people of the choices they have under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation

The Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to mark Organ and Tissue Donation Week (23rd-29th September 2024), encouraging more people to make a choice about their organ donor decision and, importantly, ‘Have the Chat’ with their loved ones about their choice.

The new ‘Have the Chat’ campaign comes as research[1] reveals that while more people in Scotland know if their family and friends prefer tomato or brown sauce – fewer know their organ and tissue donation decision.

When polled, members of the public were more likely to say they knew their loved ones’ coffee order or whether they’re a dog or a cat person, rather than if they’d want to donate their organs and tissue.

Findings also revealed that while more than three quarters (77%) of respondents know their loved ones religious or spiritual beliefs, only half (51%) are aware of their organ and tissue donation decision.

To launch the campaign, former Miss Scotland and radio presenter, Keryn Matthew took to the streets of the capital to encourage members of the public to ‘Have the Chat’ with their own family and friends.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register and celebrates the thousands of lives that have been saved thanks to people agreeing to the gift of organ donation. With many still awaiting transplants, it remains vital for people to confirm their organ and tissue donation decision.

Under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation, Organ and Tissue Donation Week serves as a reminder for people to make their choices known and not leave their loved ones in doubt.

Nobody understands the importance of the gift of donation more than 29-year-old Martin Dillet, who underwent four liver transplants before the age of 30. The father of two has shared his story to highlight the life-saving impact it had for him.

Martin said: “I was diagnosed with a rare liver disease as a baby and had my first transplant at just three years old. Things went back to normal after that – I had a great childhood and went on to meet my wife, Danielle in 2012 before welcoming our first daughter in 2021.

“I always thought of my donor over the years. It wasn’t a conscious thought process – more a constant sense of being grateful for a second chance a life. However, in 2023, my health started to deteriorate rapidly and doctors discovered that the liver that had kept me alive for 25 years was failing.

“Things moved pretty quickly after that and I ended up going into full liver failure and was placed back on the transplant list at the same time as we were preparing for the birth of our second child. What should have been one of our happiest times as a family became one of the most anxious as we waited to hear that a liver had become available.

“Thankfully, we received a phone call and I received my transplant in September 2023. Everything went well with the operation, but unfortunately by the next day it became clear that my new liver wasn’t working. It’s an extremely rare complication and the only option was for me to go back on the list.

“We got the news that a new liver was available and I went back into surgery. This time it became immediately clear that the new liver wasn’t working properly. Doctors made the difficult decision to remove my liver entirely and I was added to the transplant list for a fourth time.

“We were nearly out of hope, but after 36 hours with no liver, I received my third liver transplant all within the space of five days.

“This time, everything went well and after being in a coma for 18 days I finally woke up and was reunited with my family. Danielle and I are so sincerely thankful to all my donors and their families.

“It’s so unfortunate that two of my transplants didn’t take, but it doesn’t change what my donors did for me and there are no words to describe how much it means to us.

“They gave me a chance to be here for my girls, Georgia and Amber, to see them both grow up.”

People in Scotland can choose to be a donor, or to opt out. If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it may be assumed that they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.

Data shows that 90% of families would support organ and tissue donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register[4]; however, over two in five (43%) are yet to register their choice[5].

James Powell, Associate Medical Director, Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Martin’s story is incredibly inspiring and we wish him and his family all the very best.

“If you participate in any part of transplantation, you know that every transplant takes a full team including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, donor services and family members, all working together.

“Most important though is the generosity of organ donors who have given the ultimate gift of life. With their gift, and the support of family members in achieving their loved one’s wishes, the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit has been able to help many patients.”

The NHS Organ Donor Register was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate.

It was the result of a five-year campaign by John Cox and his daughter Christine after their son and brother, Peter, died in 1989. He had asked for his organs to be used to help others.

To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.scot.

Safe Access Zones now in place around Scotland’s abortion facilities

Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.

Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the legislation. People who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

Determining whether an offence has been committed will be a matter for Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, some examples of criminal behaviour may include: approaching someone to try and persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people as they try to go in or out of the clinic or hospital, handing out leaflets, religious preaching and silent vigils.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

“I thank Gillian Mackay (pictured below) and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation.

“I would like to especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

“The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

Full list of the locations of zones:

University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock

Borders General Hospital – Melrose

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

Galashiels Health Centre

Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer

Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline

Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy

Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Aberdeen Community Hospital

Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin

Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock

Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley

Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow

Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow

Ross Hall – Glasgow

New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow

Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow

Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire

Raigmore Hospital – Inverness

University Hospital Wishaw

Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh

St John’s Hospital – Livingston

The Balfour – Livingston

Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick

Ninewells Hospital – Dundee

Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway

Grasping economic opportunities of clean energy

FM: Scotland will target investment from UK Energy initiatives

First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish Government will focus on maximising investment from newly created UK Government energy initiatives, including Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the Clean Power 2030 Mission, in projects in Scotland.

The pledge came as the First Minister co-chaired his first meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, the key expert body which advises the Scottish Government on energy. The First Minister was joined by the Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier, the Head of Clean Power 2030 Unit Chris Stark and representatives of Scotland’s energy sector to plan the way ahead for Scotland.

Speaking at the meeting – which was the first engagement event between the Scottish Government and Great British Energy – the First Minister said it is vital Scotland is seen as an attractive proposition for GB energy and pledged his government’s support to make sure investment opportunities are secured.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Clean, green energy represents a massive opportunity for Scotland. Not only does it help tackle climate change but it can be a huge stimulus of jobs and prosperity for Scotland for decades to come.

“We welcome the creation of Great British Energy and Clean Power 2030 and now it is up to Scotland to maximise the investment and opportunities that will come to projects in Scotland from these initiatives.

“Having the heads of both Clean Power 2030 and Great British Energy in Scotland today, meeting with the leaders of Scotland’s energy sector, is the next step in doing exactly that. It means we can make sure Scotland is ready to grab the chance for jobs and green growth they represent. It is a chance we will grasp with both hands.

“Scotland has already made great strides towards a clean, fair and secure energy system and we are continuing to accelerate our enormous renewables potential and work to ensure the maximum possible economic and social benefit from the opportunities created.”

Social Justice Secretary urges UK Government to reinstate Winter Fuel Payment

Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Ms Somerville called on the UK Government to take action to address root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

The full text of the Social Justice Secretary’s letter: 

Winter Fuel Payment: Letter to UK Government

To: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall

From: Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville

20 September 2024


Dear Liz,

I am writing to you to express further concerns, following the publication of the UK Government’s equality analysis on the impact of the introduction of a means-tested Winter Fuel Payments, which shows that across all assessed characteristics those affected by this change in policy will greatly outnumber those unaffected.

The Scottish Government continues to support vulnerable households from fuel poverty through a range of actions within our limited devolved powers. This year alone, we are spending £134 million on activities to mitigate UK Government policies through schemes such as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund, which provide vital support to households struggling to meet their housing and energy costs.

However, we cannot continue to mitigate UK austerity policy decisions. What is really needed is reform of the UK energy markets to address the root causes of fuel poverty in Scotland, such as high fuel prices. In these circumstances I would urge you to now reverse the Winter Fuel Payment decision and reinstate the payment for all pensioners.

This decision was of course taken without consultation or discussion with the Scottish Government and it has had devastating consequences for our planned launch of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, reducing the Block-Grant Adjustment for our devolved payment by over 80%.

Having carefully considered the options, given the significant impact of this decision and the wider cuts being imposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on our budgets, we have had no choice but to mirror this approach in Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, our replacement for Winter Fuel Payment, which is to be delivered in Scotland this Winter by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Scottish Government.

A copy of this letter goes to the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Education overhaul: Reform of qualifications and assessment

Less reliance on “high stakes” final exams

The balance of assessment used for senior phase pupils in Scotland will change, with greater use of internal and continuous assessment to award final grades.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the shift as part of the Scottish Government’s response to an independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA), which was led by Professor Louise Hayward and published in June 2023.

In a statement to Parliament, Ms Gilruth confirmed that exams will remain part of the overall approach to assessment, including at National 5, while some more practical courses may not have written exams in future.

The Education Secretary committed to ensuring that qualifications reform is done in full partnership with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies, with a secondary Headteacher to be seconded to the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA), and its replacement Qualifications Scotland (QS), to oversee that.

Ms Gilruth also confirmed that she will set out a renewed national approach to improvement later this year, setting out short, medium and longer term improvements for Scottish education.

Ms Gilruth said: “While exams will remain part of our approach, I have accepted the independent review’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so there is less reliance on high stakes final exams and internal and continuous assessment contributing to a greater percentage of a final grade.

“The actions on qualifications reform I am setting out seek to achieve a balance between ambition and pragmatic action. Any change needs to be focussed and deliverable given the resources available to national and local government and to schools themselves. This will build directly on the hard work, success and creativity already evident in Scotland’s schools.

“This pragmatic approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fair and credible system to enhance learning and teaching and support better outcomes for young people.”

Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) General Secretary, Seamus Searson, said: “The SSTA welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s statement on the Government’s response to the Hayward Review. The statement maps a way forward in making the cultural changes required in secondary schools in regard national qualifications and a teacher led continuous assessment.

“Many SSTA members will be pleased to hear there will be an element of external assessment at Nat 5 in the short-term and that any future developments will be trialled and piloted before implementation.

“The SSTA equally welcomes the importance placed by the Cabinet Secretary on schoolteachers at the centre and leading the changes necessary for creating an education system for the future.”

The Education Secretary’s Parliamentary statement was delivered in response to the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) by Professor Louise Hayward.

Scottish Government Response To The Final Report Of The Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment – ‘It’s Our Future’ – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The SQA is consulting on whether written external examinations should remain part of course assessment in more practical subjects, such as National 5 Practical Woodworking and Fashion and Textile Technology, with a view to any changes being brought in for 2025/26.

Keeping The Promise to care-experienced young people

New report highlights government work to date

Progress made towards ‘Keeping the Promise’ by 2030 has been set out in a new report.

The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and is a commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.

The update report, ‘Keeping the Promise to our children, young people and families’, highlights the scale of work undertaken by the Scottish Government since 2022 to deliver the commitment by 2030.

It follows the recent passing of the Children (Care and Justice) Act by the Scottish Parliament and associated measures, which include ensuring that no child will be placed in a Young Offenders Institution again.

The new report directly informs the work of The Promise Scotland’s Plan 2024-30.

The report includes updates on:

  • the launch of six Pathfinder and four Affiliate partnerships which aim to ensure that holistic, child-centred support is offered to children and young people in the justice system
  • the introduction of the Scottish Recommended Allowance for kinship and foster carers, to date benefitting more than 9,000 families across Scotland
  • changes introduced to transform the Children’s Hearing System
  • work to introduce a £2,000 Care Leaver Payment

Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes unveiled the report during a visit to the Young Scot head offices in Edinburgh to meet recipients of a share of the Promise Partnership Fund.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Our commitment to The Promise is as strong today as it was in 2020 when we accepted in full all the recommendations of the Independent Care Review.

“Since then, we have taken strides in our work to keep The Promise and this report sets out clearly the scale of work and transformational change already undertaken to ensure all children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected.

“We know there is still much to do and such significant change takes time, but the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned as we work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary transformation is in place by 2030.”

keeping-promise-children-young-people-familiesDownload

Eye Pavilion to close for six months for urgent plumbing repairs

MSP MILES BRIGGS REPEATS CALL FOR REPLACEMENT EYE HOSPITAL

Urgent repair work will have to be carried out at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion at the end of October.

Extensive work is required on the plumbing system, meaning that all patient appointments which were scheduled to take place from October 28 will now be moved to other NHS Lothian facilities.

It is anticipated that the PAEP building will be vacated for around six months while contractors replace two waste pipes and remove asbestos material from a sealed cavity where the pipework is located.

The decision to move to other locations temporarily while the work takes place is designed to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our patients and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. 

“Whilst patients and staff are not at risk, the work is essential and the advice we have received from our contractors is that this can be done more speedily and safely if the building is temporarily vacated.

“Patient and staff safety are always our chief consideration. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption and to ensure patients continue to be seen and treated throughout this period.”

Teams are currently developing plans to ensure that inpatient and outpatient appointments continue throughout this period and it is expected that all appointments will be held in NHS Lothian facilities.

Patients do not need to do anything differently.

The vast majority of patients due to be seen at the PAEP between now and Friday October 26are unaffected. A very small number of appointments scheduled to take place before then may need to be rescheduled. These patients do not need to do anything as they will be contacted individually by their clinical teams at least two weeks in advance.

Those who already have appointments booked for dates from Monday October 28 will be contacted by letter, text or both in good time to arrange their new appointments, starting with patients who have appointments in the week beginning October 28. 

Mr Crombie added: “We are really grateful to all of our patients for their patience and understanding.

“I would like to reassure them they do not need to do anything. All affected patients will be being contacted with details of the new location of their appointment.

“Our staff and teams throughout PAEP are working really hard to make the move as smooth as possible at short notice and I can’t thank them enough.”

Lothian MSP urges residents to make their voices heard over unacceptable lack of a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on Edinburgh and Lothian residents to send a clear message to SNP Ministers and the Scottish Government that the failure to deliver a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is unacceptable.

On Tuesday NHS Lothian announced that the eye hospital would be closing for six months due to urgent plumbing repairs (see above).

Previous FOIs to NHS Lothian showed a list of 125 outstanding items of maintenance work, totalling £2.3 million, that needed carried out at the hospital.

Since April 2022 the list of outstanding maintenance work has remained the same, with MSP Miles Briggs, calling the building “unfit for purpose”.

A scheduled visit to the hospital with Lothian MSPs and the Cabinet Secretary for Health is scheduled for next month to see the extent of work required at the hospital and the urgent need for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

Figures from Sight Scotland show that over the last ten years there has been a 230% increase in ongoing waits for ophthalmology outpatients in NHS Lothian. The number of people waiting over sixteen weeks has increased by 5600% and those waiting over 12 weeks has increased by 2752%.

This closure to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is only going to worsen ophthalmology waits in NHS Lothian.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Residents in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s must let SNP Ministers know how angry they are with the lack of funding being delivered for a replacement Edinburgh Eye hospital

“Waits for Ophthalmology services in NHS Lothian have grown dramatically, especially over the last 3 to 5 years and people are having to wait excessive lengths of time for treatment.

“As with any medical treatment, the sooner that you are seen the better the expected outcome and this is especially the case for ophthalmology.

“People who want to make their voices heard can sign my petition online to restore funding for a new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here:

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/news/miles-briggs-msp-launches-petition-restore-funding-planned-new-princess-alexandra-eye-pavilion