Archive | February, 2010

Fighting plans to ‘mothball’ beds at Monklands Hospital

25 February 2010

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I recently received a letter from NHS Lanarkshire saying that they planned to ‘mothball’ 16 surgical beds at Monklands Hospital. They claim that modern surgical practices mean that they can still carry out the same number of operations with a reduced number of beds. That might be the case, but my point it that surely they [...]

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Listen to the Experts

24 February 2010

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The Scottish Government has today published its new Children’s Hearing Bill and I hope that in carrying out their reforms, the Government will listen to the views of those on the front line of the Children’s Hearing System. At a time when the number of children in care has reached a 30 year high, any changes [...]

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2/3rds fail to reach writing standards

24 February 2010

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A major survey of educational achievement released by the Scottish Government has concluded that two-thirds of 13 year olds fail to reach expected standards of writing.  This is a really shocking statistic which will be of great concern to parents across Scotland.   I hope that the Scottish Government will look seriously at this report, together with the recent [...]

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Dunrobin Gardens

19 February 2010

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This morning I visited the residents of Dunrobin Gardens Sheltered Housing Complex. I always get a lovely welcome from all of the residents and enjoy their home baking. That’s not to say that I get an easy time though. There are always some tough questions to answer. This morning residents expressed particular concern about the [...]

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Helpin’ Haiti

17 February 2010

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I have tabled a motion in Parliament congratulating Caitlin Currie of Tollbrae Primary School on her hard work in organising a musical extravaganza, Helpin’ Haiti.  Caitlin personally enlisted the cooperation and help of Glasgow Fort, her dance school, local musicians and the choir and staff of Tollbrae Primary. Helpin’ Haiti will be performed on Sunday 28th [...]

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Local Newspapers

12 February 2010

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This morning I attended a Local Newspaper Summit, which was organised by Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism. The seminar was well attended by a wide range of people involved in the newspaper and broadcasting industry in Scotland.  Clearly many people involved in producing local newspapers remain very concerned about Government plans to [...]

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Welcome news on Airdrie Health Centre

10 February 2010

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I welcome the news that Airdrie will finally be getting its new health centre. This was a commitment given by the previous Scottish Executive and I am glad that the current Government has remained true to that commitment. Not only will the new health centre provide a high quality, integrated health facility for the people of [...]

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