MP Jamie Stone writes to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon telling her that the Scottish Government's 'deadly pace' on vaccine delivery has cost lives in the Highlands
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Far North MP Jamie Stone is so concerned about the “deadly pace” of the Covid vaccine rollout in the region that he has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling on her to address the “sluggishness” within the Scottish Government.
He was in part responding to the Covid outbreaks in two Invergordon care homes – Castle Gardens and Kintyre House – a month after vaccines first arrived in the Highlands.
Along with a third care home just outside his constituency at Fodderty near Dingwall, the three outbreaks have led to 51 residents being infected and 16 dying with Covid.
In his letter, Mr Stone asked why the offer of additional assistance from the military was not taken up, why better logistical preparations were not made and called on her to take action after so much “crucial time has been wasted.”
He insisted that he hoped to be constructive but lambasted both the Scottish and UK governments for claiming they have done all that they could – a view he described as “simply wrong.”
Speaking about his reasons for raising the issue, Mr Stone addressed concerns said: "It's been seven weeks since the first vaccination dose was administered in Scotland and still not every single care home resident - the priority group - had had their first jab.
“There is no doubt that the vaccine could have been rolled out at a far higher pace. I practically begged the Scottish and UK Governments - well in advance of the vaccine being approved - for them to work together; to have a plan about rolling out a potential vaccine; to consult different parts of the country on any particular logistical issues they might face.
“Both Governments claim they have done everything they could. They are wrong. Crucial time has been wasted by their lack of preparation.
“I really hope they take to heart my plea for them to put their political differences aside and work together. We have no more time to lose.”
Mr Stone's Letter to the First Minister: