Stevenson Meets NHS Chief On Chalmers Hospital

Banff & Buchan SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has met with NHS Grampian Chief Executive Neil Campbell to discuss the future of Banff’s Chalmers Hospital.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Stevenson commented:

“This was a very useful and constructive meeting and I found Mr Campbell very open and honest in his approach and his answers to my questions. The Chalmers development definitely will go ahead as it is one of a number of priorities identified by NHS Grampian. However, I was assured that these differing priorities are not competing against each other for resources.

“While we are not at present in a position to know what form the development will take, it is anticipated that the November board meeting of NHS Grampian will see the matter brought forward for board approval. Mr Campbell has given me an undertaking to intervene personally if it looks like the timetable is slipping to ensure that Chalmers Hospital is definitely on that month’s agenda. Once it is discussed and approved by the Board we will then be in a position to know what the likely timescale is for work to commence.

“I hope to meet with the Chalmers Hospital Action Committee in the coming days in order to brief members face-to-face and respond as far as possible to any questions they may have.”

Stevenson Urges Local Groups To Respond To Lottery Distribution Consultation

Banff & Buchan SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has urged local clubs and voluntary groups to have their say in the Government’s consultation on Lottery funding distribution policy.

Mr Stevenson, who has been campaigning for more lottery cash to come to the North-east, has welcomed the review and has called for the lottery bodies to take action to address those areas which receive less than their share of lottery cash.

Mr Stevenson said:

“The North-east has historically fared less well than other areas in terms of securing our share of lottery funding.

“Thanks to initiatives like the recent Lottery Roadshow which visited Banff and which I was pleased to be associated with that pattern is changing but there is still some way to go.

“This consultation looks at the distribution of lottery funds root and branch. The application process is certainly an issue which needs to be looked at. With so many different lottery bodies something as simple as a single application form for example would make the process that bit simpler.

“This is the chance for local groups who have experience of lottery applications – successful or unsuccessful – and those who are thinking about applying to influence the decision making process. I want to see it become as easy as possible for applications to be made to the lottery and for more and more cash to come to the North-east. The National Lottery is the North-east’s lottery too.”

Anyone who wishes a copy of the Consultation Document can obtain one by contacting Stewart Stevenson’s Office on 01779 470444 or by e-mail at msp@stewartstevenson.net. The consultation period closes on 30 October 2002.