Local MSP Takes the 'Daffodil Bus'

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson was kept busy at the recent Scottish National Party Conference in Perth helping to plan the route of Marie Curie Cancer Care’s “Daffodil Bus”.

The Bus will be touring Scotland in march and stopping in local towns and villages in the North-east providing information on Marie Curie Cancer Care and, in particular, the choice to die at home. The charity has also released an economic report showing that caring for more patients at home would release funds which could be used elsewhere in the NHS.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“I was delighted to help Marie Curie Cancer Care with their campaign at the SNP’s Annual Conference.

“I think that they and other cancer charities provide an essential source of support for cancer sufferers and their families during often difficult times. Marie Curie Cancer Care employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and provides care to around 25,000 people with cancer every year, along with support for their families.

“I am sure that the Daffodil Bus will be well used when it visits here in March and I commend Marie Curie Cancer Care on this very worthwhile initiative.”

Lorena Brogan, Marie Curie Cancer Care Public Affairs Manager added:

“Although 75% of Scots would choose to die at home only 24% of Scots actually do. Lack of information on the choices available is one of the major barriers to enabling people to choose to die at home.

“To help tackle this, Marie Curie Cancer Care will be taking our Daffodil Bus across Scotland in March 2007 on our information tour. To find out more information on our Scotland Supporting the Choice to Die at Home campaign and to nominate your region as a stop for our Daffodil Bus next March, visit our website; http://campaign.mariecurie.org.uk/Scotland/ “