He’s No’ Awa’ Tae Bide Awa'

Nicola Sturgeon is now leader of the SNP. I’ve read in the media that she is more popular, within SNP circles, than Alex Salmond and this bodes well for the future. My MSP, John Swinney, is now Deputy First Minister.

It will come as no surprise to many of you that I like Alex Salmond and have great respect for the man, although I dislike some of the policies he has introduced during the SNP’s time in government.  He’s an astute politician, a superb orator as well as being a clever and intelligent person.  Not many politicians today carry all these attributes.

When he announced he was standing down as First Minister and leader of the SNP in September, my first thought was he must be retiring from the political scene.  Silly of me I know, but where would he go?  Then he gave the answer on Question Time; or rather gave the Dimbleby the hint.

There is a rumour floating round Scotland that he is considering standing in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey for next May’s Westminster elections. Currently this seat is held by LibDem Danny Alexander who will be defending a large majority of 8,765.

An early rumour suggested he intended to stand in Gordon, where the LibDem Malcolm Bruce, who had a majority of 6,748 at the last general election, is standing down and Gordon covers the Aberdeenshire East constituency represented by him at Holyrood. However, the LibDem candidate for Gordon is a former journalist, Christine Jardine, who has no public profile and senior SNP members are rumoured to have stated ‘Alex wants a scalp. He won’t get that in Gordon and he has a pick of any seat’.

The SNP has not yet chosen its candidates for next May’s election.  Alex Salmond will, almost certainly, not contest his old Banff and Buchan seat as it’s already represented by the party’s Elidh Whiteford.

In Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Danny Alexander’s main challenge came from Labour in the 2010 general election.  But the Holyrood seat of Inverness and Nairn is represented by the SNP’s Fergus Ewing, who won in 2011 with a massive majority of nearly 10,000 and SNP strategists believe they can therefore challenge Danny Alexander next May.

The LibDems are relying upon the result of the Independence Referendum, when around 60% of voters voted No, to keep Alex Salmond from gaining a seat from them. Some of the quotes around: ‘He’s something of a spent force’. ‘People used to see him as invincible but that’s not the case now’.

So now we’re entering the general election campaign. David Cameron insists the austerity measures must continue. Not good news for the less financially secure in our society.  We can but hope that the weather continues to be mild and thus heating bills are kept low enough to avoid many falling into debt.

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Tuesday’s ‘Debate'

I watched the STV programme, trailed as a debate on independence, on Tuesday night, did you? 

Perhaps I’ve not been totally honest because I was aware, after the first few minutes, that I had to check my emails on my iPad which rested at my side, then when that was completed I found myself browsing the internet.  The television - and sound - were on though so, with a little artistic licence, I qualified as a viewer.

Two good assessments of the rammy are given by Derek Bateman and Richard Thomson. Another, from the Libdem blogger Caron, is here.

Of course there are other views around so google them if you dare!

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Monetary Union Between An Independent Scotland And The Remainder Of The UK

Finally the card playing season has drawn to a close and the past week has involved far too much food followed by hours of sedentary pleasure or pain; that depends on the hand dealt.

Quite a few people know I support Scottish independence and expect me to have the answer to the questions politicians seem reluctant to answer.

One of the questions I was asked was if I knew how having a monetary union with London would work.  I replied I had no idea although I agree with the questioner that it seemed strange to want to be independent from London yet have the Bank of England in charge of our monetary policy.  Nicola Sturgeon, in today's Herald, says:

"An independent Scotland will keep the pound because it is in everyone's best interests, and to try and suggest otherwise simply flies in the face of the facts.

"For a start, the pound is every bit as much Scotland's currency as it is that of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and as such, it is simple common sense that we should continue to use it as an independent country.

"But that common sense argument is backed up by overwhelming economic arguments.

"We have already had the detailed expert report of the Fiscal Commission Working Group which has backed a currency union in the event of a Yes vote in next year's referendum."

That statement doesn't contain any information about the content of the 'detailed expert report' and appears to be another 'have faith in us because we know best' comment.

Of course another question followed which was: "Why are the SNP bothering with attempts to keep sterling when they insist on being full members of the EU?"  The questioner followed that up by firmly declaring that any country wishing to join the EU has to adopt the Euro.  I didn't argue with him because he's been involved in international law, at a high level, for many years.

So if anyone can explain to me why having a monetary union with England is common sense I'd be grateful.  According to Wikipedia, Brunei and Singapore are the last two nations whose dollars have remained at par and mutually interchangeable since the days when the Spanish Dollar was the united currency of large areas of the New World. It is managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Should Scotland gain independence will London create a Monetary Authority of England?

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Calm Down Dear

"What is wrong with the SNP and its adoration of the EU?" a friend of mine asked this weekend.  I was reluctant to answer.  The friend then explained they had family in Ireland and they'd witnessed the way in which the EU had beaten the Irish into submission prior to their last referendum.  "The bribery and threats were accepted by our politicians who left the voters nowhere to turn."

The past week or so Nicola Sturgeon has appeared to be obsessed with the prospect of an independent Scotland being a full member of the EU.  

Articles, such as this one, openly display the SNP's desperation to belong to another bureaucracy whilst insisting they do not want to be controlled by that other bureaucracy - Westminster.

It makes no sense.  Worse still, Ms Sturgeon's letter states the SNP want 'more ambitious EU targets on carbon emissions ...'. Further more she says the Scottish Government does not support David Cameron's 'promise' of an in/out referendum on the UK's membership.

Does she not realise people are awakening to the global warming and carbon credits scams?  Is she not aware that more and more people want a referendum on the EU because they don't believe Scotland should jump out of the frying pan into the fire.  Other countries manage to trade with the EU without being full members and thrive.

The more Nicola Sturgeon promotes the EU as being utopia for an independent Scotland, the more voters will decide to vote 'No'.  It won't be the economy, our security systems, nuclear weapons on the Clyde or immigration policies which will sound the death knell of a 'Yes' vote, but the SNP's insistence that politicians in a independent Scotland must have seats and influence in the EU. 

As the late Michael Winner said, "Calm down dear". Showing your adulation for the EU is not everyone's cup of tea.  I for one find it oppressive.

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England's NHS Catches Up With Scotland

Sir Bruce Keogh is the Medical Director of the NHS in England. He has said that IT will "completely change the way we deliver medicine" because he now wants doctors to be able to hold online consultations using Skype.  This will revolutionise the NHS reports the Telegraph.

Has Sir Bruce suddenly woken up to the benefits of modern technology?

The NHS in Scotland has been 'revolutionised' for some time now.  Healthcare provision in some of Scotland's more remote communities, such as Orkney and Shetland, has included the use of video link consultations with doctors and nurses based in Aberdeen.  "Tele-health" provides effective high quality care using a range of digital technologies.  Remote clinics and post-surgical follow-up appointments can also be conducted by video-conferencing and currently it is being tested to see if it can be used safely and effectively for patients with motor neuron disease in their own homes.  This allows specialist doctors to support the patient whenever their advice is required without either of them having to travel.

For the past couple of years my own GP is happy to speak to me by telephone rather than have me clutter the waiting room - a win-win situation. Also I can book an appointment or a repeat prescription through my GP's website. Feedback is also welcomed.

Using video-link technology can significantly reduce a patient's anxiety and reduce lengthy hospital journeys. At Ninewells hospital in Dundee most people's stress levels must rise long before they reach the consultant's waiting room because parking is a nightmare.

After spending £billions on various IT systems the English NHS has finally decided to catch up with Scotland's innovative system? About time too and such a shame people have been denied this facility for so long.

Of course here in Scotland we are fortunate to have a most capable and forward thinking health secretary in Nicola Sturgeon.  Communication technology has been available for years yet was never introduced into the healthcare system until Ms Sturgeon grasped the reins. Now it is accepted practice and can only benefit both patient and doctor.

The chief executive of England's Patients Association isn't too keen on the idea though:

''We would be concerned that it could translate to more frustration for patients. People are already concerned that they are spending less time with their GP and we wouldn't want this to be a way of reducing that further. It should always be the choice of the individual.'


Quite a negative response from someone who should be embracing advances in patient care. Maybe she would change her mind if she took a wee sail to Shetland.

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SNP Wedding

Nicola Sturgeon, one of Scotland's most highly respected politicians, married SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, in a civil ceremony attended by close family, at Oran Mor, a bar and restaurant complex, formerly Kelvinside Parish Church.

Alex Salmond, along with other SNP colleagues and friends, attended the wedding reception which was hold at the same venue.

The wedding cake was made by Scottish teacake producers Tunnock's. Lovely touch!

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Senior NHS Management Bonuses Axed

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, has upset senior NHS staff by terminating their bonuses.

The move to end the performance-related bonuses is targeted at health service employees who earn between £43,000 and £173,000 a year. What post is worth £173,000 a year within the NHS? Surely, apart from very senior clinicians, no individual should be earning that amount of money for an administrative job?

About 1,300 NHS staff in Scotland - less than 1% of the workforce - are covered by the 'non-consolidated payments' scheme.

Claire Pullar, the national officer of Scotland for Managers in Partnership, the trade union for senior and executive NHS managers, said: "This bonus was perceived as something clearly earned through hard work. The decision is disappointing, demoralising and it won't save money in the way people think it will save money. The Cabinet Secretary did not consult our members."

NHS senior and executive managers have their own union. How very interesting but not entirely surprising. Ms Pullar sounds a little put out at not being consulted by the health secretary but I can understand why Ms Sturgeon gave the union a body swerve. 'Negotiations'

would have been lengthy and possibly unproductive.

A good start to ridding ourselves of this 'bonus culture' which has infiltrated public services over the years. People should be paid a fair salary for a fair day's work and nobody should receive extra money for ticking more boxes than expected. It may well be the beginning of the end of the tick-box culture within the NHS and that would be welcomed by many.

source

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Nicola Sturgeon's Letter to the Court - Comment from DougtheDug

This may be helpful to some of you. DougtheDug (my grateful thanks) placed it in his comment and it includes a copy of Nicola Stugeon's letter to the court regarding Mr Rauf, plus the relevant chapter from the MSPs' Code of Conduct:

Here's the text of the letter Nicola Sturgeon sent to the Judge:

Mr Abdul Rauf

I refer to my above named constituent and the case brought against him for benefit fraud.

I have been aware of Mr Rauf's case since July 2008 when he sought assistance from me after a search warrant was executed at his home by the Department of Work and Pensions and officers from Strathclyde Police. It was clear at the time that he recognised the serious nature of the the matter he was facing and that it would be necessary to pay back the money he had obtained unlawfully.

For a number of years Mr Rauf has suffered from poor health mainly associated with his heart; he has a family, including young children aged under ten; and he is heavily involved in his community. All these aspects of his life have been significantly impacted upon by the mistake he has made.

Mr Rauf has accepted his wrongdoing and has experienced the consequences of it through the effect on his health, the distress caused to his family and the impact on his standing in his community. He has advised me that he has already paid £27,000 of the outstanding balance owed to the Department of Work and Pensions and has said, since he first sought my advice, that he will sell his interest in his property in Edinburgh to settle the remaining balance.

He and his wife are anxious that a custodial sentence may be imposed by the court and further affect this will have on Mr Rauf's health and the impact on his family life. I would appeal to the court to take the points raised here into account and consider alternatives to a custodial sentence.

Yours faithfully,
Nicol Sturgeon MSP
Member for Glasgow Govan

The relevant part of the MSP's code of conduct which Nicola Sturgeon followed is below and I've put in bold the important phrases:

SECTION 8: ENGAGEMENT AND LIAISON WITH CONSTITUENTS

8.1 Dealing with individual constituents’ cases

8.1.1 Every constituent is represented by one constituency MSP and seven regional MSPs. It is expected that each member will take on a case when approached although it is recognised thatthere may be legitimate reasons for a member to decline a constituent’s case in certain circumstances, for example, where a constituent requests an MSP to take inappropriate action, or if that case seeks action which would represent a conflict of interest with existing casework or is contrary to the member’s political beliefs. If so, the member would ordinarily be expected to inform the constituent that the member is not taking up the case

Under the code of conduct an MSP is expected to take on every case that is brought before them unless it is "inappropriate".

Unfortunately there is no definition of "inapppropriate" but unless it is against the rules to make a representation to a judge about sentencing on behalf of a constituent once a verdict in a trial has been reached then what Nicola did was entirely appropriate.

The question Subrosa is what would you prefer, an MSP who believes that they were elected to represent you whatever your views or what you've done or one who will drop you like a hot potato if they think it will harm their career?

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A Resigning Matter? I Don't Think So

Labour have discovered Nicola Sturgeon wrote a letter to a court in support of a convicted fraudster. They are calling for her resignation.

Abdul Rauf already had a conviction for benefit fraud when he approached Ms Sturgeon, his MSP, to request her help. He had been accused again of defrauding the DWP of £80,000 but explained to her he accepted he was guilty but he had paid back some of the money and was awaiting the sale of his Edinburgh property before he could settle the full amount.

She foolishly wrote to the court that Mr Rauf had suffered from poor health for a number of years and he had a family with children under the age of 10.

"He and his wife are anxious that a custodial sentence may be imposed by the court and of the further affect this will have on Mr Rauf's health and the impact on family life."

Ms Sturgeon's defence is that she acted fully in accordance with her MSP duties. It is all very well to assist constituents but sensible judgements must be made. In this case her judgement was poor, but for labour to call it a resigning matter is laughable.

The SNP needs to ensure their constituency support staff research cases more thoroughly. Only last month Alex Salmond also was found to have acted inappropriately.

source

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Nicola Sturgeon Pledges ECMO Machine for Adults

Remember this story? A young pregnant woman, suffering from swine flu, had to be flown to Sweden for a treatment known as ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation).

It appears the young woman is recovering and is now back home awaiting the birth of her baby.

Sharon Pentleton, from North Ayrshire, had to be flown to Sweden because no beds were available in Leicester, the only unit in the UK which provides the procedure. The idea is that the machine takes over the job of the lungs, giving them time to recover. Each treatment costs £80,000 for an adult and £50,000 for a child with much of the cost coming from the highly-trained team of around 15 nurses who are required to operate the machine.

There are already ECMO beds available in Scotland for children at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow but none for adults and now Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to ensure adult treatment will be provided in Scotland. It is not a treatment appropriate for most people but it can be of benefit to some patients and the Health Secretary is determined we have the ability to increase the provision.

How many beds and where they are to be sited is still under consideration.

Once again Ms Sturgeon shows decisive leadership and the desire to improve the facilities we have in our NHS. Long may she continue to do so. If only she could improve on the waiting time for suspected cancer patients. In Europe those thought to have cancer are seen by a specialist within days and we need this to happen here. It could well do if Ms Sturgeon is in charge.

Source: Sunday Post

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The Reason the English NHS is Not Fit for Purpose

This video is about the English NHS which has had 12 Health ministers since 1987 making two a year on average and not a single one has ever worked at the sharp-end of healthcare.  Not one. Here in Scotland we've had 3 in 10 years as far as I remember - Sam Galbraith, Andy Kerr and Nicola Sturgeon. Not a much better rate than England really is it, but in Nicola Sturgeon we have a Health Secretary who is highly regarded by the profession and also respected for the grasp she has of her brief.  May she stay long enough to continue to improve our NHS for all in Scotland.

Do watch the video because it is interesting even although the comparison is with Tesco.  

My thanks to Burning Our Money

Update 8 June:  Sam Galbraith was not Health Secretary once Scotland gained devolution, it was Susan Deacon.  Thanks to my reader for correcting me.

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Swine Flu Hits Doctors in Scottish Hospital

I'm as guilty as many of being humorous about swine flu but should we be concerned with the rising number of cases in Scotland?

This week's diagnosed cases seem to be contained to pockets in the west but now that it has reached the front line medics I think we all ought to be aware of the symptoms.

My main reason for this post is to say there are still people who take no responsibility for the health of others and I witnessed a prime example of that when shopping today.  Because of a very heavy hail storm this afternoon I ducked into a shoe shop for shelter.  It was quiet with only one customer trying on shoes.  She was obviously in the medical profession as she was still in uniform but she continually coughed, without covering her mouth, the few minutes I was there. Was I tempted to tell her to think of others and cover her mouth?  You bet I was, but I bit my tongue and left as soon as the worst of the downpour had passed. Now I wish I had told her what I was thinking.

Perhaps it's better we all err on the side of caution rather than complacency now this virus seems to be rather more permanent than first thought, although I must add I have every confidence in Nicola Sturgeon's handling of the matter.

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Good News But Not Good Enough

A key national target for the NHS to treat urgent cancer patients within two months has been met, the Scottish Government has announced.

An average of 95.4% of urgently referred patients began treatment within two months - just beating the target of 95%.  It is the first time the target, set in 2001 and due to be achieved by 2005, has been met.

According to official figures, between October and December last year there were 2,368 urgent referrals and of those, 2,258 began their treatment within the target time of 62 days.  The target average was not met for all types of cancer, including colorectal cancers, lymphoma and melanoma.

Two months is a great deal of time to wait for treatment if you've been diagnosed with cancer. Most European countries are far speedier and we ought to be aiming towards a 4 week maximum wait.  A friend, who lives in France, was diagnosed with breast cancer the week before Christmas.  Her treatment, not privately funded, started the second week in January - a wait of less than 3 weeks.

So we could do much better but it is good to know there has been an improvement. 

Source:  BBC

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BBC Question Time - Dunfermline

David Dimbleby, Ian Gray, Nadine Dorries

Nicola Sturgeon, David Steel, Bruce Anderson

Purely by chance I happened to watch Question Time tonight and it held my attention for the whole 50 minutes.  Would that be Ian Gray's first appearance on such a programme?  Somehow I think it was.  He really has to stop reading from a script although I admit he improved as the programme continued.  Constantly looking down to read is off-putting to viewers who may well be entitled to think he didn't have a good grip of the subject.

Why was Nadine Dorries shipped up from England and with little or no preparation?  She didn't even know Rosyth existed and admitted that. Not good from the Tories.  What's wrong with an MSP being on the panel; I suggest Derek Brownlie.  Do hope someone in the Scottish tory party reads this because I'm more than sure my tory friends will say the same.

In the past I've criticised David Dimbleby for side-stepping Nicola Sturgeon, but he certainly didn't do so tonight.  She is such a steady performer and never disappoints.  Even the most anti-SNP viewer must agree.

David Steel loosened up and by the end almost looked relaxed.  Last time I saw him was a couple of years ago at Stobo Castle, but he had reserved the posh suite and didn't emerge to mix with the hoi polloi.

Tonight was the first time I've seen Bruce Anderson although I've read his work and heard him on radio.  I like his direct responses and his common sense - that doesn't mean to say I agree with him!

Three questions stood out for me:  Gordon Brown, Faslane and DNA record keeping.  A good balance between the audience and panel was achieved and the panel's contribution was fairly good.  Ian Gray should have quit when he was ahead with regard to his contribution on the DNA question as he sounded as if he was repeating a directive but couldn't explain is reasons. 

The stars were Bruce Anderson and Nicola Sturgeon but credit has to be given to Ian Gray for attending and also doing not too badly for a first time panelist. It's a shame he's not a natural speaker and needs so many notes. I reiterate, the Scottish tories do need to get their act together and use a Scottish MSP for these events because they do the Scottish party no favours using Westminster MPs.

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QUESTION TIME 29 January 2009

I could have cheerfully belted Mr Dimbleby with my handbag if I'd been present in Inverness last night, but I'm rushing ahead, so back to the beginning.

Above is the panel the BBC has advertised for last night's Question Time.  Spot the deliberate mistake.  Yes, yet again, the labour party representative Ian Gray wasn't there.  His place was taken, yet again, by Charlie Falconer a leading light in the labour party in Scotland, or Tony Blair's best pal. He was resurrected every time Wendy chickened out of the programme (twice at least) and he's still willing. Of course David's his pal so he knew he'd be given an easy time, plus I'm informed from a reliable source, Charlie has a passion for BBC canapes.

Why would I have belted David Dimbleby with my handbag?  A simple reason really - his obvious dislike of Nicola Sturgeon.  Once more Nicola was sidelined and on one occasion he was downright rude.  After permitting his pal Charlie to rambled on, he asked Nicola her view then cut her short.  This happened twice. She had about one third of the airtime given to Charlie Falconer.  Nicola turns up time after time for this programme and gives a solid, professional performance and doesn't not deserve this biased treatment from David Dimbleby, nobody does.

Michael Gove and Jo Swinson were the other politicians present, specially shipped in from Westminster and trying extremely hard to sound Scots.  Why aren't MSPs (the SNP excepted) invited onto this programme?  There are 82 of them and I thought it was their duty to attend such events if invited, as they are in the public interest.

The highlight for me was when David Dimbleby addressed Hardeep Kohli then immediately interrupted him.  Hardeep's response was, "You're in my country now so I'm going to speak."  So must all of us.

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WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT HOSPITAL INFECTION RATES

Nicola Sturgeon has instigated the setting up of a website for the public to view the infection rates for clostridium difficile and MRSA the Herald reports today.  It will also declare the results of hand washing inspections in each health board area and link to data showing a breakdown of how many patients have died from the two bugs in different regions.

The portal will be part of the Scottish government's website and launched next month.

This is an innovative step in the progress to destroy the presence of these bugs in our hospitals.  Although c.difficile will never be completely erradicated, it can be far better controlled than it has been in the past years.  It is not a 'new' bug, c.difficile has been around a long time.  Progress in clinical methods has led to better identification but also a drop in basic cleaning and hygiene has caused an increase in recent years.

The website, it is hoped, may encourage hospitals to improve their hygiene and cleaning methods as they will be aware they are now under public scrutiny at the click of a mouse.

Personally I welcome this with open arms.  I survived c.difficile which I 'caught' on a day visit to my local hospital.  A combination of dirty toilets, floors and the issuing of completely unnecessary antibiotics caused my illness.  This bug leaves even the most healthy person with lifelong health problems and I applaud Nicola's efforts at making the statistics transparent for all.

Note:  The problem isn't only the responsibility of the NHS.  Visitors to hospitals should wash their hands both on arrival and departure.  The gels are not effective against c.diff, washing with hot water and soap is the proven barrier.  

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