Latest news with #FoysolChoudhury
Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Stroke patients left waiting as Scottish Government fails to deliver
Every weekend, stroke patients across Scotland are left waiting for care – a consequence of The Scottish Government's failure to implement the national stroke service it pledged more than two years ago. Despite a clear commitment to deliver round-the-clock treatment, hundreds of patients are still being denied access to thrombectomy, one of the most effective and time-critical stroke interventions available. This procedure, which removes blood clots from the brain, can triple a patient's chance of regaining independence after an ischaemic stroke. Yet access to it remains severely restricted. Currently, only NHS Lothian offers the service seven days a week. That means a patient in Edinburgh may be treated within hours, while someone in nearby Fife may have to wait until Monday, missing the critical window for intervention and facing a much greater risk of lifelong disability. In 2023, only 153 patients in Scotland received a thrombectomy, despite clinical estimates suggesting nearly 1,000 people were eligible. That's not a system under pressure; that's a system failing by design. I questioned the Scottish Government on this issue, but we are still awaiting meaningful answers. More than two years have passed since the Stroke Improvement Plan was published, and implementation has stalled. Most health boards remain limited to weekday hours, a shocking shortfall when stroke outcomes are measured in minutes. I recently met with the Stroke Association, whose tireless advocacy has been central to the campaign for a fully funded, nationwide thrombectomy service. They report that the procedure could save the NHS up to £47,000 per patient in long-term care, underscoring both its clinical and economic value. Meanwhile, other nations are moving ahead. In Ireland, nearly 9% of stroke patients receive a thrombectomy, six times the rate in Scotland. Clinicians across NHS Scotland say they have the expertise and are ready to expand the service, but lack the necessary resources, infrastructure, and national coordination. Stroke survivors shouldn't face worse outcomes because of their postcode or the day they fall ill. The time for reviews is over. The Scottish Government must act because the longer we wait, the more lives we put at risk. Foysol Choudhury MSP signs the pledge Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
EIF sets a new standard for accessibility
Festival director Nicola Benedetti and Foysol Choudhury MSP This year's Edinburgh International Festival has taken a significant step toward making culture more inclusive, launching a comprehensive access guide to support neurodivergent, disabled and D/deaf audience members. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From detailed venue information to specially tailored performances, the initiative marks a commendable commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming experience for all. The access guide features detailed listings of accessible performances, including those with audio description, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, captioning and surtitles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also offers 'relaxed performances,' designed to provide a more flexible environment by keeping lights low, softening loud sounds and creating a welcoming space for neurodivergent audiences and those with sensory sensitivities. These adaptations ensure that people who may otherwise feel excluded are not only accommodated but genuinely welcomed into the cultural fold. I was particularly moved to see a dementia-friendly performance included, demonstrating the festival's thoughtful engagement with audiences who are often overlooked. Accessibility isn't just about physical or sensory accommodation, it's also about ensuring cost isn't a barrier. The EIF is helping to break down financial obstacles by offering a 50 per cent discount on full-price tickets for eligible audiences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, I'm glad to see the EIF take this step forward. By putting accessibility front and centre, they are setting a powerful example for the wider sector. These developments reflect the inclusive society we are working to build. Culture should be accessible to everyone and I applaud the EIF team for embedding inclusivity at the heart of their programming. This approach not only enhances the experience for the public but also strengthens the entire cultural sector by welcoming broader participation. I encourage other organisations to follow this example, ensuring that the arts are not a luxury for the few but a shared experience that reflects and welcomes the diversity of our communities. Let's continue working together to build a Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the world-class cultural experiences our city has to offer. To explore the full list of accessible performances, visit Foysol Choudhury, Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian (Region)
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Tributes paid to ‘trailblazer' academic Sir Geoff Palmer after death aged 85
The professor was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years. He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital. The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'. Sir Geoff died on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children, and grandchildren. It is with great sadness that we share the news that our esteemed Chancellor and renowned humanitarian, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HeriotWattUni @SirGeoffPalmer — Heriot-Watt University (@HeriotWattUni) June 13, 2025 Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation. He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK. In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005. Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021. He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry. As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality. He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh Council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm. Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery. In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery. He told the PA news agency at the time the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him. Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas. He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.' Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, led tributes to Sir Geoff. He said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff. 'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. 'He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.' MSP Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news. He wrote on social media: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic, but also a courageous voice for justice and equality. 'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.' Scottish First Minister John Swinney said: 'Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneer and an outstanding intellectual. 'He had a hugely positive impact on Scotland and will be sorely missed. My sympathy to his family.' Scotland Office minister and Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill described Sir Geoff as 'an innovator, campaigner and educator', adding: 'We were lucky to have someone of his extraordinary warmth and breadth of interest in Midlothian.'
South Wales Guardian
13-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Tributes paid to ‘trailblazer' academic Sir Geoff Palmer after death aged 85
The professor was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years. He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital. The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'. Sir Geoff died on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children, and grandchildren. It is with great sadness that we share the news that our esteemed Chancellor and renowned humanitarian, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HeriotWattUni @SirGeoffPalmer — Heriot-Watt University (@HeriotWattUni) June 13, 2025 Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation. He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK. In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005. Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021. He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry. As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality. He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh Council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm. Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery. In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery. He told the PA news agency at the time the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him. Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas. He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.' Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, led tributes to Sir Geoff. He said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff. 'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. 'He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.' MSP Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news. He wrote on social media: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic, but also a courageous voice for justice and equality. 'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.' Scottish First Minister John Swinney said: 'Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneer and an outstanding intellectual. 'He had a hugely positive impact on Scotland and will be sorely missed. My sympathy to his family.' Scotland Office minister and Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill described Sir Geoff as 'an innovator, campaigner and educator', adding: 'We were lucky to have someone of his extraordinary warmth and breadth of interest in Midlothian.'
North Wales Chronicle
13-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Tributes paid to ‘trailblazer' academic Sir Geoff Palmer after death aged 85
The professor was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years. He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital. The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'. Sir Geoff died on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children, and grandchildren. It is with great sadness that we share the news that our esteemed Chancellor and renowned humanitarian, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HeriotWattUni @SirGeoffPalmer — Heriot-Watt University (@HeriotWattUni) June 13, 2025 Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation. He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK. In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005. Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021. He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry. As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality. He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh Council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm. Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery. In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery. He told the PA news agency at the time the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him. Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas. He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.' Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, led tributes to Sir Geoff. He said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff. 'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. 'He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.' MSP Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news. He wrote on social media: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic, but also a courageous voice for justice and equality. 'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.'
