RHODA GRANT: Health care issues have been left to grow out of control
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Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant
Last month I was able to secure a member’s debate on NHS recruitment and retention where I brought forward the desperate issue facing our NHS across the country but most notably in the Highlands and Islands.
It was an opportunity to hear from the cabinet secretary Humza Yousaf directly about how he intends to address this urgent and worrying situation.
He has assured parliament that the Scottish Government are investing in recruitment and retention of health care staff throughout the islands and rural communities.
However, our care homes are closing, our GPs do not have capacity to get through their patient backload, mothers are choosing to be induced rather than risk the extensive journey from their home to hospital, people can’t register with dentists and staff are leaving the NHS in droves.
All these issues existed before the pandemic but have been left to grow and bubble out of control. However, Mr Yousaf has given assurance in parliament that he will be meeting with the Caithness Health Action Team this summer – some welcome news.
The public petitions committee was considering Petition 1902 last Wednesday. The Caithness Health Action Team are calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to allow an appeal process for community participation requests under the Community Empowerment Act 2015. They are bringing forward a very important issue, the voice of the community to decisions that affect the running of and access to health services in their region. This is definitely one to watch progress on.
With the rise in fuel costs hitting above 200p per litre, people are turning to public transport. However, continued train strikes and local bus services also being hit with staffing issues has left people unable to commute to attend appointments.
I had pressed on the issue of patient travel reimbursement with the cabinet secretary for health recently. Patients are reimbursed by the health boards but the schemes were last looked at on a national level in 1996!
Previously I have been told that NHS health boards can increase these rates at their own discretion – realistically, without additional funding from the Scottish Government, this is hard to do. However, in a letter received from the cabinet secretary he has admitted that that the overall guidance, set by the Scottish Government, will be reviewed, taking account of matters that I have raised with him.
I look forward to seeing some progress in this area and hope that this will come sooner rather than later.
It was Cervical Screening Awareness week from June 20-26 and I am worried to hear about increasing waiting lists and lack of communication. We are aware of the situation and trying to get more information regarding this issue. Please attend and have your smear test done as they can be lifesavers. Should anyone have any fear about getting a smear test they can contact Jo Trust for help and advice at www.jostrust.org
Caithness Cares hosted a community event on June 30. Should anyone reading this column who is interested in mental health services or wish to learn more about options and services available I strongly urge you to keep an eye out for future Caithness Cares events. With mental health issues on the increase, community groups such as Caithness Cares offers a chance for people to get help and support when they need it the most.
Finally with summer now here, I know that families will be trying to fill up their days to entertain their little ones and with the cost of living hitting everyone hard looking out for free activities will be welcomed. The Care and Learning Alliance and Early Years Scotland are running a number of free play and activity sessions throughout the region, including Wick. Please look out for details.
- Rhoda Grant is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
