NHS Grampian waiting lists, meetings, consultations

After the Easter recess, it was back to Edinburgh and with a new colleague, Jamie Greene MSP, the increase in our parliamentary groups means that the SNP has now lost its majority on the Scottish Parliament’s Bureau. That means opposition parties will have greater power to shape parliament’s business agenda.

Waiting lists
On Tuesday, I took the opportunity to intervene in a member’s debate entitled Addressing Waiting Times in NHS Grampian. I highlighted representations I had received from a constituent who was waiting for an operation. They were informed that they would be joining a waiting list of over 3,000 patients with no timeline as to when they might receive treatment. The Scottish Government must do more to address these long waits.

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
This week the committee took evidence from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety on the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill.

Meetings this week
Across the week I met with several organisations including Scottish Environment LINK to discuss the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, UKAS the UK Accreditation Service, and Unite the Union to discuss the oil and gas sector. I spoke with representatives from the Open University about the distance learning opportunities they offer to learners in Shetland. I attended an Agriculture Policy and Net Zero event hosted by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, and chaired by former Liberal Democrat MSP George Lyon, and heard about innovation in the industry to tackle climate change. I also attended an Obesity Action Scotland event. The organisation strives to reduce obesity and overweight in Scotland and were celebrating their 10th anniversary.

RTS switch off
Work continues by suppliers to change household and business meters to find workable solutions in the run-up to the RTS switch off date of 30th June 2025. I know that ahead of the switch-off advice is being given that when your energy company contacts you, to respond and act. Shetland faces geographic challenges with connecting smart meters and responses from energy suppliers are inconsistent. If you have an RTS meter but haven’t already contacted your energy supplier for a replacement I would urge you to do so. I have helped many constituents previously so if you have any issues with your energy supplier or getting a meter replacement or smart meter please get in touch through the details below.

Octopus and RTS
Octopus Energy will be in Shetland from Monday 28th April to 3rd May to speak with customers about the RTS switch off. They will be available to meet in Lerwick Town Hall 10:00 – 18:00 Monday - Tuesday and then in Mareel Wednesday - Friday.

Aberdeen City proposed visitor levy consultation
Aberdeen City Council’s consultation on their proposed Visitor Levy Scheme is open until 1st July. They are proposing an exemption for medical travel. It is important they hear from people with experience of travelling to the city for medical reasons, have your say.

Cruise ship levy consultation
The Scottish Government is seeking views on giving local authorities in Scotland the power to introduce a cruise ship levy. You can give your views on the benefits and problems a cruise ship levy could bring, the potential impacts and practical questions about how any such levy could best work. 

Shetland Times column
Read my latest Shetland Times column from Friday 25th April.