Latest news with #NeilGray
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray welcomes new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices
The Scottish Government has confirmed that £5 million is being distributed to ensure pay parity with NHS staff. Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray has welcomed new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices to ensure their "fantastic" clinical staff get pay parity with those in the NHS. The Scottish Government has recognised the 'enormous value' of clinical staff in independent hospices in North Lanarkshire - and confirmed that £5 million is being distributed to ensure pay parity with NHS staff. The funding was announced in the Scottish Budget, with hospices now having their funding allocations confirmed so that staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales. This will help hospices like Airdrie's St Andrew's Hospice recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals during a time of rising workforce pressures and increasing demand for palliative care services. Mr Gray MSP said: "The independent hospices like St Andrew's provide vital support to countless families at the most difficult times in their lives. "That's why this SNP Government is supporting hospices across North Lanarkshire in paying the staff who are so integral to providing this care. "Hospice staff deliver incredibly skilled, compassionate care every day, and now their pay will reflect the immense value of their work."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
SNP health chief Neil Gray told to ‘grow a backbone' after dodging trans changing rooms row at NHS meeting
Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Ms Peggie CASE SNUBBED SNP health chief Neil Gray told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging trans changing rooms row at NHS meeting Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEIL Gray was last night told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging the trans changing rooms row at a summit with NHS chiefs. Nats' Health Secretary is said to have only chatted to bosses about dental care three days after Sandie Peggie was cleared of misgendering a male-born medic Dr Beth Upton. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 5 Neil Gray was told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging the trans changing rooms row Credit: Andrew Barr 5 Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Sandie Peggie Credit: Getty 5 Ms Peggie was cleared of misgendering a male-born medic Dr Beth Upton Credit: Alamy NHS Fife issued a 1,700-word statement the day after the meeting alleging the nurse's lawyers used the media to discredit them in a furore over the use of female-only spaces at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Last night, the Scottish Government insisted ministers were not consulted on the statement — and that board chiefs had not sought permission to release it. Asked if Mr Gray discussed the case at the July 17 meeting in Glenrothes — also attended by local MSP and Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth — a spokesman replied: 'No. Discussion at the meeting focused on NHS dental care in Fife.' Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Ms Peggie. She alleges victimisation at a tribunal which has so far cost taxpayers £220,000. Tories' equalities spokeswoman Tess White said: 'It beggars belief that Neil Gray didn't use this meeting to confront NHS Fife chiefs over their shocking handling of this case. 'He should have had the guts to demand they apologise to Sandie for the disgraceful way she's been treated. Instead, hours later, the health board churned out a shocking statement. It's time Neil Gray grew a backbone and demanded resignations.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Health Secretary met with NHS Fife to discuss dental care in the area.' We told how NHS Fife chiefs said they had called cops to probe trolls threatening staff with 'sexual violence' over the case. It said: 'Online debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour.' Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spaces But their statement was condemned by Information Commissioner David Hamilton. Scots Tory chief Russell Findlay has called for NHS Fife chief Carol Potter and the board to step down. 5 Tories' equalities spokeswoman Tess White Credit: Alamy
STV News
6 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Hospices secure £5m to support NHS-level pay for staff
Hospice workers in Scotland are to receive pay equal to their NHS counterparts following a £5 million funding commitment from the Scottish Government. The investment, set out in the 2025-26 Budget, will ensure that frontline staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales. The funding aims to help hospices recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals during a time of rising workforce pressures and increasing demand for palliative care services. The move comes after Scottish Labour called for the cash to be released by ministers. Health secretary Neil Gray said: 'Independent hospices provide vital care and support to people and families across Scotland at the most difficult times in their lives. I am pleased we are able to support these organisations in supporting pay parity for their clinical staff. 'This funding recognises the skilled, compassionate care that hospice staff deliver every day, and helps ensure their pay reflects the immense value of their work.' But a leading hospice provider has expressed concerns that a £5m funding boost 'will not touch the sides'. Marie Cure Scotland, which has two hospices in the country, has questioned how much of an impact the cash would have, citing the UK Government's increase to employer national insurance contributions – which have been steadfastly opposed by ministers in Scotland. 'As Scotland's largest palliative and end of life care provider caring for people at our two Scottish hospices and in people's homes, Marie Curie Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government's announcement about how the £5m for Scotland's hospice sector, announced in the budget in December, will be provided,' said Marie Curie's associate director of policy and public affairs Amy Dalrymple. 'But one-off funding like this will not address the long-term funding challenges or tackle the inequalities that exist in end of life care. 'Alongside increased support for community services, we're calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a sustainable, long-term funding plan, that includes ways to future-proof the workforce, so that wherever you live, whatever your illness, you'll be able to rely on good care right to the end.' She added: 'Investment in hospice staff is essential. There is only one chance to get end of life care right. 'However, we are concerned that this £5m will not touch the sides given the recent changes to employer National Insurance contributions which are expected to cost Marie Curie Scotland close to half a million pounds in 2025-26 alone. 'Death is one of two certainties in life. 'The Scottish Government must prioritise palliative care to ease the strain on the already overburdened and underfunded NHS and create a system that works for everyone now and in the future.' In November 2024, hospice bosses warned they face an 'insurmountable funding gap' and said concerns are mounting that they may have to turn people away. They said hospices are a 'key part' of the health and care system, but they are not part of the NHS, with charities instead having to fund their running costs. Chair of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group, Jacki Smart, said: 'This is a welcome first step in recognising the needs of the hospice sector, which plays a key role in delivering specialist palliative care for Scotland. 'It is right for patients and staff that hospices can pay skilled professionals fairly and in line with NHS colleagues, and we need to keep pace on this.' The announcement comes after UK ministers announced £75m would be shared among 170 facilities in England – believed to be the biggest boost ever for the sector. The UK Government announced its funding increase in the Sunday Mirror, with minister Stephen Kinnock praising the impact of the facilities. 'Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most. 'At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Lib Dems accuse Neil Gray of stealing credit for Hospice funding
The funding is intended to help facilities caring for people at the end of their lives increase wages to be in line with staff in the NHS. Responding to the announcement, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader has said the government may wish to claim the credit for this move, however, he commented that it was his party who pushed the First Minister to commit to the £5 million funding during budget talks. Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: "More money to support hospices was a key Scottish Liberal Democrat demand in budget negotiations so I am glad than an additional £5m for the hospice sector is being delivered. "Neil Gray may be keen to claim the credit but this is an area that we forced on to the agenda because from visiting hospices and speaking with staff and residents, we recognised the huge demands being placed on the sector." Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton (Image: Ken Jack) Mr Cole-Hamilton added: "The work they do week-in week-out to help those with life shortening conditions and their families is incredibly challenging but so important. "I hope that these additional funds can immediately be put to work to support service users by recruiting skilled staff. That's the difference that Liberal Democrat MSPs can make.' The SNP has been contacted for comment. READ MORE: Hospice CEOs warn that sector is 'struggling enormously' Scotland's first children's hospice set for £17m revamp The budget was passed earlier this year, and, since then, Scottish Labour have called for the cash to be released by ministers. Speaking ahead of a visit to a hospice on Friday, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'Independent hospices provide vital care and support to people and families across Scotland at the most difficult times in their lives. 'I am pleased we are able to support these organisations in supporting pay parity for their clinical staff. 'This funding recognises the skilled, compassionate care that hospice staff deliver every day, and helps ensure their pay reflects the immense value of their work.' Jacki Smart, chairwoman of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group, said: 'This is a welcome first step in recognising the needs of the hospice sector, which plays a key role in delivering specialist palliative care for Scotland. 'It is right for patients and staff that hospices can pay skilled professionals fairly and in line with NHS colleagues, and we need to keep pace on this.' Marie Curie has welcomed the funding but said that "one-off" investments like this will not address long-term funding challenges. The charity is pushing the Scottish Government to deliver a sustainable funding plan for hospices for the future. Amy Dalrymple, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie Scotland said: 'As Scotland's largest palliative and end of life care provider caring for people at our two Scottish hospices and in people's homes, Marie Curie Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government's announcement about how the £5 million for Scotland's hospice sector, announced in the Budget in December, will be provided. 'But one-off funding like this will not address the long-term funding challenges or tackle the inequalities that exist in end of life care. Alongside increased support for community services, we're calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a sustainable, long-term funding plan, that includes ways to future-proof the workforce, so that wherever you live, whatever your illness, you'll be able to rely on good care right to the end. 'It is shocking that the public purse spends four times more on hospital inpatients in their last year of life than on primary, community health, and hospice care combined for this group. This doesn't need to be the case, and means that we need to radically transform care of dying people. 'Investment in hospice staff is essential. There is only one chance to get end of life care right. However, we are concerned that this £5 million will not touch the sides given the recent changes to employer National Insurance contributions which are expected to cost Marie Curie Scotland close to half a million pounds in 2025/26 alone. 'Death is one of two certainties in life. The Scottish Government must prioritise palliative care to ease the strain on the already overburdened and underfunded NHS and create a system that works for everyone now and in the future.' Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: 'After months of dither and delay, it is welcome that the SNP is finally allocating the funding it promised in its budget – but this is funding promised for last year's pay rise. There is nothing on the table for this year. 'Hospices are still being short-changed by the SNP, and staff and services will continue to pay the price. 'A Scottish Labour government will properly support hospices and the crucial work they do, and fully fund a fair deal for staff.'
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Government misses key skin cancer quality targets
A total of 10 of 15 Quality Performance Indicators (QPIs) were met in the last year, with persistent challenges in meeting targets related to pathology, imaging and systemic therapy, according to the latest Public Health Scotland data. The data also shows that the limited availability of pathology services and operating theatres in Scotland is causing delays in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. READ MORE: NHS 'dying before our eyes' as third of Scots go private NHS Scotland: 'neurological patients falling through cracks' NHS Scotland: Nearly £2 billion spent on temp nurses and midwives The quality performance indicator target 7 - which deals with pathology and theatre capacity - remains difficult to achieve, as regional reports highlight limited pathology service capacity and operating theatre availability as key barriers to meeting these standards. Performance on imaging scans for patients with melanoma has also declined and has fallen short of national targets. According to Public Health Scotland, this target worsened in 2023-2024 after some improvement in the previous year. The Scottish Conservatives have criticised the government for "shameful delays" to skin cancer treatment which puts "lives at risk". Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: 'Under the SNP, far too many patients are not being diagnosed and treated in time for skin cancer. 'We know that these shameful delays harm a patients chance of recovery and puts lives at risk. 'The SNP's failure to improve cancer services has led to a shortage of vital pathology support and operating theatre access, while performance on melanoma imaging scans continues to decline. 'With Scotland recently enjoying a heatwave and many people enjoying the sun, it was a timely reminder of the dangers of skin cancer — and the critical need for rapid, effective treatment. 'That's why the Scottish Conservatives have set out common-sense proposals to prioritise early detection, promote healthy lifestyles and guarantee cancer services will have the resources they need to support patients.' Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun and, in May, new data published by the charity Melanoma Focus showed 45% of Scottish people suffer from sunburn at least once every year. There are around 17,500 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year and it is the sixth most common cancer in Scotland. Melanoma is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it has the highest mortality rate, and deaths from melanoma are projected to continue to rise. The Scottish Government are committing £14 million for NHS Health Boards to improve cancer waiting times and £21 million targeted towards imaging. Ministers have said this is in addition to an increase in funding to address pressures within chemotherapy services, reaching up to £10 million annually by 2027, with £6.6 million released in 2025/26. Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'Whilst we are treating more patients with cancer on time, within both standards, compared to the same quarter 6 years ago, it is vital we do more to reduce cancer waiting times, especially for those cancers which are more aggressive. 'As we see an increasing number of eligible cancer referrals, that means we also see an increase in demand for diagnostics. That is why we have committed to a range of actions to tackle waits. This includes expanding to seven-day radiology services, increasing recruitment of staff, using mobile scanning units and reducing radiology backlogs so that 95% of referrals are seen within six weeks by March 2026."
