Answers please!

The following epitomises the scale of Orkney & Shetland SNP hopeful (but certainly not bashful) Danus Skene’s fantastical but shallow, hollow and absolutely ridiculous political posturing.

“The SNP Government listened to the concerns of both Orkney and Shetland Health Boards and agreed to established a review committee to address amongst other issues in the model the unavoidable excess cost of delivering health care in a rural setting.

“As a result of that review the fair share target for the NHS in Orkney & Shetland together should generate around about £10,000,000. This works out at an additional £6,214,000 for Orkney and £4,090,000 Shetland as a result of the Scottish Government listening to and meeting the needs of the Northern Isles.” -Danus Skene, 26 April 2015

I have met with health professionals in both Shetland and Orkney and been part of health board consultations the length and breadth of Scotland, and the perception of those engaging with the Scottish Government does not reflect Mr Skene’s buoyant ‘everything is rosy in the garden attitude’ as there appears to be a lack of understanding regarding core issues which need addressed before Mr Skene’s party throws £10million not addressing the problems.

Mr Skene fails to acknowledge never mind address recruitment and retention within the local health service, or even ask why?

I, and constituents I have been speaking with want answers, not soundbites to five simple questions:

1. Does Mr Skene acknowledge that there is a problem with the local NHS?
2. Does Mr Skene acknowledge that there is a problem with recruitment and retention of GPs turning into a crisis?
3. Can Mr Skene tell us how many GPs are set to leave Shetland in the next few months?
4. Will Mr Skene tell us what is going to be the result on patient services?
5. How would Mr Skene as an SNP local activist (never mind as a potential parliamentarian) influence the SNP government in addressing this?

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…assuming, that is, Mr Skene actually acknowledges and recognises that there is a crisis looming.

I await Mr Skene’s response to the electorate with eager anticipation.

Anytime before 7 May would be useful to help the electorate determine if he can inform decision making in the Scottish Parliament never mind the UK Parliament.

Gerry McGarvey
Scottish Labour Candidate for Orkney & Shetland