Latest news with #ZubirAhmed
Daily Record
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS Scotland patients waiting more than 78 weeks for treatment skyrockets
NHS has seen figures half after launching a 10-year recovery plan - but Scotland lags far behind. THE number of patients waiting more than 78 weeks for treatment in Scotland has rocketed to 38,070 while in England the figure has halved to just 1154. The shocking statistic means 33 times more people are being forced to endure excruciating long delays north of the Border. It comes as NHS England launches a 10-year recovery plan along with plans for an updated app allowing patients to book appointment and even visit an 'AI doctor'. Dr Zubir Ahmed, a surgeon turned Labour MP for Glasgow South West, said: 'After a 20 year career as a surgeon in the NHS – the majority of it working in Govan – I have seen the Scottish NHS at its best and now at its worst. 'Scotland's NHS has seen the 31-day and 62-day cancer waiting times standards missed, 860,000 Scots are stuck on NHS waiting lists for tests with a third considering private treatment. 'In the words of the esteemed chair of the BMA Dr Iain Kennedy, 'the figures show that the NHS is dying before our very eyes'. 'The NHS is dying despite more staff working ever harder and more money being spent on it than ever before. 'The frustrating part for me as someone who has worked in the NHS all my adult life is the solutions to these challenges lie within the NHS but in Scotland, we don't have a government that has the desire or will to change direction.' Ahmed has called for a greater use of technology to help drive up performance. He added: 'The UK Labour government will deliver a single patient digital health record controlled by the patient and accessible to any health professional that you want to see it. 'There will be neighbourhood health centres with advanced diagnostics capability open 12 hours a day, six days a week. 'The 10-year plan would mean an NHS in your pocket with a turbocharged NHS app to book and check appointments, interact with specialists who care for you and an AI enabled doctor next to you. 'While being able to contribute to this revolution excites me, it frustrates me too because, in the Scottish NHS, we remain on a different path of managed decline. 'We continue to churn analogue solutions for a digital age, burden staff with more administration and keep patients more and more at arm's length from their own healthcare information. 'There is no Scottish NHS app, no proper workforce plan and no strategy on how to embrace technology and no desire to learn the lessons how to do it better from other parts of the country. ' Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie added: 'Scotland's NHS is fighting for survival but the SNP is flat out of ideas. Elsewhere in the UK, people will benefit from falling NHS waiting lists, a cutting-edge NHS app and a comprehensive recovery plan. 'If the SNP was capable of fixing the crisis in our NHS, it would have done it by now. Our NHS might not survive a third decade of SNP government.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Latest figures show monthly A&E performance at its best since July 2023 and delayed discharge at its lowest since October 2023. 'Our plan to improve our NHS is working and we will build on this progress by increasing capacity and investing to tackle the longest waits to ensure patients get faster access to care.'
Scotsman
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Glasgow needs a metro mayor and devolved powers or ‘risks being left behind'
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Glasgow needs a metro mayor and devolved powers or 'risks being left behind' other large UK cities, a prominent think-tank has warned. Scotland's largest city is being left behind by places like Manchester, Leeds and Bristol, a report produced by the Centre for Cities has claimed,. The report, The Missing Piece In The Big Cities' Jigsaw, argues that city regions with directly-elected mayors receive more investment, better infrastructure and faster growth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The document claims Scotland's GDP would be 4.6 per cent larger than it is now if Glasgow's economy performed in line with the average for cities its size. In England, there are ten combined local authorities which have a metro mayor. The process of local devolution began a decade ago with Greater Manchester. Glasgow should have a directly-elected mayor, the Centre for Cities report argues. | Google Maps The independent and non-partisan think-tank report was welcomed by Scotland Secretary Ian Murray, as well as Glasgow South West MP Dr Zubir Ahmed, but was dismissed by Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken. Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, compared Glasgow to other locations as he said it was an economic problem for Scotland. Writing in The Scotsman, Mr Carter said: 'Metro mayors now lead all of England's largest cities. They are directly elected, accountable and visible to both central government and residents of their places - more can name their metro mayor than their local MP or council leader. They are delivering integrated transport systems like Manchester's Bee Network, designing skills programmes tailored to their local economies, and attracting billions in investment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'City region devolution is not about copying England. It's about recognising that Glasgow – and other Scottish cities – deserve the same tools to grow, prosper and lead. 'For Glasgow, a devolution deal would unlock the power to plan transport, housing, skills and economic growth at the scale of the city region. A mayor could be a champion for the region – putting place before politics, engaging with local residents, and implementing a joined-up vision for the future. 'Creating a metro mayor would require legislation from the Scottish Government. Some opposition is to be expected, but the evidence from south of the Border is clear - metro mayors are delivering growth, raising living standards and bringing democratic accountability. 'Glasgow, by contrast, risks being left behind. The status quo is no longer good enough for the city, or for Scotland.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Labour's Dr Zubir claimed failing to adapt could see Scottish cities 'left behind'. He said: 'You have to organise your metropolises around what your nearest competitions are. Never mind comparable European cities, comparable cities in the UK are doing better than us. 'The conclusion is quite clear, you need to build economies of scale from a higher population of 1.2 million, and Glasgow is half that. We need to grow our population base, it needs to be bigger. That leadership and organisation is best suited to a mayoral type office. I'd be very supportive of it [directly-elected mayors]. I think the sooner we actually do it, the better. 'Every other day what I see from colleagues in England, especially Manchester, is spades in the ground, cranes in the sky, and us left further behind. Scots and Glaswegians are missing out on opportunities that they should be a part of.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Zubir said considered metro mayors to be the 'next stop in Scotland's devolution journey.' A spokesperson for Mr Murray said: 'We have been clear that Scottish regions would benefit hugely from elected mayors, just as English regions have. For too long power in Scotland has been held at Holyrood – we need to push devolution back to local communities." Scottish Labour Local Government spokesperson Mark Griffin added: 'For too long the SNP has hoarded power in Edinburgh and hollowed out local government. Scottish Labour has been clear that we want to push power out into communities, including giving communities the chance to choose to have mayors.' Former Edinburgh City Council leader Donald Anderson also supported the idea, but stressed it was not just about having a mayor, but the structures around them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Playfair Scotland director said: '[Mayor] Andy Burnham did not make Manchester successful, but he has built on Manchester's success. If you look at council and council leadership, it's what really helped turn Manchester around. Edinburgh and Glasgow are at risk. If we don't evolve our government structures, we will begin to lose our position relative to the rest of the cities regions in the UK. 'Metro mayors overlaid on top of the existing council structure, along with a shift and change in policy that builds on the work of the city deals, could take that to new levels. There will be a lot of people in the local government who might see this as a threat, and I don't think they should. 'It's not something that needs to be in competition with existing structures, it can help make the existing structures work better for everybody.' Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes did not comment on the specifics of a mayoralty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Zubir Ahmed claimed Glasgow faced being left behind | Contributed Instead, she said: 'Glasgow is key to driving the Scottish economy, which is why the Scottish Government is partly funding the city-region's £1.13 billion growth deal. We have also supported Glasgow city region's £160 million investment zone, with additional funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and skills development. 'We are working with partners to explore ways of devolving further powers to regional economic partnerships, including Glasgow city region, with the aim of presenting options to ministers by the end of this Parliament.' The report prompted a rebuke from Ms Aitken, the chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, who claimed 'it's simply not true to say Glasgow City Region is currently underperforming in comparison to our English peers'. She said: 'However, we do share concerns that, without parity with them on powers and resource, not only Glasgow, but also Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are being disadvantaged by the UK government. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Partners in the Glasgow City Region have long articulated our ambition for a meaningful devolution deal to build on the success of our City Deal and unleash the massive potential for inclusive growth that exists right along the Clyde corridor. 'That's why we've spent considerable time preparing a detailed proposition to deliver that kind of investment and autonomy to the region – working with both of our governments and, in particular the Deputy First Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland. 'In that context, it is perhaps unfortunate that the Centre for Cities didn't focus on understanding what is already happening in the Glasgow City Region before recommending it does what it has already been doing for some time. 'Contrary to the assumptions made by the Centre for Cities; without a mayor, Glasgow City Region has outperformed both Greater Manchester and the West Midlands for growth - and we have higher wages, a more highly qualified population, higher employment and considerably lower levels of child poverty. In fact, during 2023, we outperformed all but two of the English combined authorities on growth.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, Jane Meagher, leader of Edinburgh Council, said: 'I welcome the devolving of more powers to the regions of Scotland, not just Glasgow, but with our two cities complementing each other.
Daily Record
01-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Disposables vapes ban 'could be as profound for public health as smoking ban'
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: Glasgow MP Zubir Ahmed claims today's ban on sale and supply of single-use vapes will have 'material impact' on teen vaping rates. A surgeon-turned-MP has declared that today's disposable vapes ban could have as profound an impact on public health as the 2006 indoor smoking ban. From today, the sale and supply of single-use vapes is prohibited by law with shops facing £5000 fines and potentially up to two years in jail if they flout the rules. Labour MP Zubir Ahmed has said he believes the move will quickly have a 'material impact' on Scotland's teen vaping epidemic – with a quarter of 15-year-olds currently hooked on the nicotine-based gadgets. Glasgow South West MP Ahmed, a transplant specialist who worked in the NHS for 20 years, said: 'I feel like this is of a magnitude of when the smoking ban came in in 2006 in Scotland. 'There was lots of umming and ahhing about whether people would comply – but in the end, they did, because that's what people in Scotland and Britain do. They're generally law-abiding, good people that obey the law.' In the year following the ban on smoking in indoor places, the number of hospital admissions linked to smoking plummeted. Since then, youth smoking rates have fallen to historic lows. But the rise in teen vaping – with candy-flavoured e-cigs like Gummy Bear and Cotton Candy being cynically marketed at kids – has raised fears of a new generation being hooked on nicotine. Ahmed said: 'I think the ban will have a material impact immediately on youth vaping – but more importantly, for a lot of these kids, vapes can be a bridge into smoking and I think we'll finally break that link as well.' It comes as the ban sparked scenes of panic-buying as stores and online retailers tried to shift their stocks at bargain prices. Refillable vapes will still be available after today however tens of thousands of Scots are thought to have been stockpiling their favourite disposable vape flavours. Of Scotland's estimated 150,000 users of disposable vapes, around a quarter (27 per cent) have been stashing up to nine weeks' worth, a recent OnePoll survey suggests. There were reports of shops offering single-use vapes at 'everything must go'-style discount prices. One Spar store in Alloa told LBC Radio of a buying frenzy after they cut prices to three boxes of vapes for £30 – which with 10 vapes per box, works out at £1 each. It comes amid warnings that despite the landmark ban, the environmental toll of single-use vapes – which are difficult to recycle and contain critical materials like lithium batteries – will continue to be felt. In the UK, an estimated 8.2million vapes are thrown away or littered every week – or 13 vapes per second – according to Material Focus. Scott Butler of the anti-waste group said: 'The threat of a 'vapocalypse' remains and new big puff and pod vape models are already contributing to an environmental nightmare.' Gillian Martin, Scotland's acting Net Zero Secretary, said: 'Scotland was the first nation in the UK to commit to taking action on single-use vapes. 'This change to the law fulfils a Programme for Government commitment and will help tackle the threat that single-use vapes pose to our environment as well as to our public health.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Meanwhile, self-styled sustainable vaping firm Riot Labs have produced data this week suggesting more than a quarter of a million Scots are hoarding used disposable vapes in cupboards, drawers, pockets and cars as they're unsure how to dispose of them. They've teamed up with Scots eco campaigner Laura Young - who spearheaded the grassroots campaign to ban the devices in the UK - to tell users what to do with their old e-cigs. Their advice includes using online tools like Recycle Your Electricals to find your nearest drop-off point for old disposables, not trying to dismantle vapes yourself, and not sticking them in the regular bin where the batteries pose a fire hazard. Laura said: "Disposable vapes are the poster child of wasteful design, packed with precious materials, designed to be used once, then tossed. This ban is a vital victory for our environment and a wake-up call to the industry. "We cannot continue normalising single-use electronics that pollute our streets, endanger our health, and waste critical resources like lithium. "With the UK Government now taking decisive action, it's time to clear out our drawers, recycle properly, and use this moment as a blueprint to challenge other throwaway products."
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Man charged after entering Glasgow hospital 'armed with crossbow'
The 29-year-old is due to appear in at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. A man has been charged after entering a Glasgow hospital carrying a crossbow. The terrifying incident unfolded at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital at 6.30am on Friday, May 23. Police, including firearms officers, raced to the scene. The incident took place in the hospital's atrium, which was briefly sealed off as it was dealt with. The weapon was not discharged, and no injuries were reported. A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection while an investigation began. Police have now confirmed he has been charged and is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. Health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said their security teams handled the incident before officers arrived on scene. Dr Zubir Ahmed, the Scottish Labour MP for Glasgow South West, who is also an NHS transplant surgeon, shared his reaction to the situation on social media. He wrote: "I was upset to learn of the incident at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital this morning and the distress that this has caused to my colleagues and constituents. "I have been reassured by the police that the situation has been dealt with and that there is no ongoing risk to the public and patients. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "My sincere thanks go to local staff and emergency responders for their swift and professional response." A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said on Friday: "We can confirm we supported police with an incident in the atrium of the QEUH this morning. "The atrium was closed for a short time while this was dealt with, and traffic around the hospital was temporarily diverted. "There was no disruption to any of our services and the hospital is now open as normal. "We would like to thank our security teams for their handling of this incident before officers arrived." Police Scotland said on Sunday: "A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a report of a person entering the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with a crossbow. "The incident happened around 6.30am on Friday, 23 May. "The man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 26 May, 2025."
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Cops pictured at scene of Glasgow crossbow incident after man stormed hospital
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the early-morning incident. A significant police presence was seen at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after a man armed with a crossbow entered the building earlier this morning. The force first received reports at around 6.30am on Friday, May 23, and dispatched officers, including specialist firearms officers. The incident took place in the hospital's atrium, which was briefly sealed off as it was dealt with. The weapon was not discharged and nobody was injured. A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection, and an investigation is underway. Several police vehicles were pictured outside the hospital in Govan, with uniformed officers seen preparing to leave the site after the incident had been dealt with. Some were seen to be apparently returning equipment to their vehicles, which were parked in front of the hospital's vast main building. Traffic around the site was briefly diverted, but has since returned to normal. Police Scotland have also reassured there is no risk to the wider public. Inspector Alyssa Fullelove-McCann said: 'I'm aware this incident will be concerning but I'd like to provide reassurance that it is being treated as isolated and there is no ongoing risk to the public. 'Officers will remain in the area while enquiries are carried out and anyone with concerns or information can speak to them or call 101.' Health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs the hospital, confirmed it had assisted the force with the incident and that everything was now running as normal. A spokesperson added: "We would like to thank our security teams for their handling of this incident before officers arrived." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Dr Zubir Ahmed, the Scottish Labour MP for Glasgow South West, who is also an NHS transplant surgeon, later shared his reaction to the situation on social media. He wrote: "I was upset to learn of the incident at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital this morning and the distress that this has caused to my colleagues and constituents. "I have been reassured by the police that the situation has been dealt with and that there is no ongoing risk to the public and patients. "My sincere thanks go to local staff and emergency responders for their swift and professional response."
