Stevenson Welcomes Launch of Consultation on Local Healthcare Bill

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the launch by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon of a consultation on plans for greater public involvement in the NHS. Proposals include direct elections to health boards.

The proposed Local Healthcare Bill will seek to enhance the role patients and the public play in decisions about how local health services are designed and delivered. The consultation asks for views on how this might best be done.

Commenting, Mr. Stevenson said:

"I welcome the proposed Local Healthcare Bill, which is part of the Scottish Government's drive to improve public and community involvement in the work of NHS boards. I have long hailed the benefits of local healthcare and am delighted that the SNP has taken this positive step.

"More than most places, Banff & Buchan knows that health care can only be delivered through a genuine partnership between Health Boards and the people. This has been demonstrated in the past by the proposed closures of maternity units in Fraserburgh and Banff under the Labour/Lib Dem Executive which the local communities had to fight. I believe that makes a strong case for more local democratic control.

"Communities must always be at the heart of the way health services are governed. The process for any service changes must be rigorous, evidence-based and open to scrutiny. I would therefore like to encourage people in Banff & Buchan to take part in this consultation."
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Notes for Editors:

1. The consultation document on the proposed Local Healthcare Bill is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/208149/0055207.pdf

The consultation runs until April 1 2008 and is part of the implementation of the Better Health, Better Care Action Plan.