Stevenson Welcomes Progress In Fight Against Hospital Acquired Infections In Grampian

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the publication of new figures which show how hospital acquired infections (HAIs) have fallen since the election of the SNP Government.

There were 151 C-diff cases in Grampian during the last quarter the previous administration was in power, compared to 54 in the second quarter of 2010. MRSA cases have fallen from 22 at the end of the previous administration to just 1 case in Grampian in the last quarter.‬‪ ‬‪

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:‬‪‬‪‪

"The progress that these latest figures show is being made in the fight against Hospital Acquired Infections in Grampian is extremely encouraging and is testament to the determination of NHS Grampian staff to tackle the problem head on.‬‪

"In comparison to the complacency we saw on the issue under the previous Labour – Lib Dem administration, the SNP Government moved quickly upon taking office to conduct the biggest ever survey of where such infections are taking place and to establish a Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.‬‪

"The Scottish Government has also invested a record £50 million in tackling the problem and I am delighted to see that these measures are clearly having an effect.‬‪

"These actions combined with the hard work of NHS staff are why we are seeing real progress after the complacency of the previous administration. These figures are extremely welcome and I am optimistic we will see further progress in the future."‬

Stevenson Hails Step Forward For Carbon Capture In Scotland As Good News For Peterhead

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has hailed the work of a group examining how Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) schemes in Scotland should be managed and coordinated. As a result of the efforts of Scotland’s Regulatory Review Group, Scotland is now better placed to process planning applications for CCS facilities and give power companies a clear idea of the regulations they must adhere to.

The work will now be taken forward by a new Project Monitoring Board to help monitor progress of CCS demonstration project applications, promote effective engagement with communities and meet the demanding timescales required under the UK and EU CCS funding competitions.

Peterhead power station recently revived plans to explore the possibility of developing a carbon capture test plant at the site after previous plans were shelved due to a lack of UK Government support in 2007.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This work is a welcome step forward for the future of Carbon Capture and Storage in Scotland and as such is important for Peterhead power station.

“If power companies want to build Carbon Capture facilities then it is vital that there is a robust and responsive regulatory system in place that will enable them to do so. By examining how planning applications for such projects can best be managed, the work of this group is helping to prepare Scotland to realise the vast potential of CCS schemes.

“As well as bringing Scotland closer to meeting our world leading climate change targets, a successful Carbon Capture project at Peterhead will bring with it important economic benefits for the area.

“Scotland could have been leading the world in CCS technology if the pervious Westminster Government had not dithered over its support for the technology. However, with work such as this I believe that we are back on the right track and that Carbon Capture can play an important role for Peterhead and Scotland as a whole.”

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change commends Small Ferries Project

A reception was held at Dynamic Earth last night to mark completion of the project, which saw Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) collaborate with the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland and the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, to examine ideas for a common design and procurement strategy for small ferries.

With many of the vessels in service approaching or exceeding their target replacement of 25 years, the issue of maintaining and procuring new vessels and improving harbour infrastructure is key to ensuring that communities have access to lifeline ferry services which are reliable, convenient and affordable.

To ensure the continued provision of quality services, the partners have developed a Strategic Plan to help influence policy makers in the procurement of replacement ferry vessels, as part of their respective Governments’ policy commitments to supporting remote island communities.

The plan outlines a proposal for the development of a common vessel design and a cross-border collaborative approach to procuring replacement ferries, to deliver new vessels and associated improvements in harbour infrastructure. This approach would ensure cost savings in vessel procurement, allow shared expertise in researching new technologies and innovative funding mechanisms and flexibility in operation and maintenance of the fleet.

The report identifies a number of options for procurement models to look at the most cost effective and efficient approach, including joint procurement and the appointment of CMAL as the lead authority for all procurement.

Eight routes were examined during the course of the project. However, it is anticipated that the project’s findings could potentially have wider reach and benefit for other routes in the three regions.

Commenting on the completion of the project, Chairman of CMAL, Grenville Johnston said:

“We are delighted to have been involved in the Small Ferries Project, working with our partners to develop a plan which we hope will help to ensure the provision of quality ferry services in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

“With demand for services set to increase over the coming years and tightened budgets, it is extremely important that we explore opportunities for collaboration, to ensure increased buying power, savings on administration and the cost of the vessels and shared learning that will help us to develop a more streamlined approach to ferry procurement and operation.”

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson added:

“The partners in the Small Ferries Project are to be commended for their collaborative cross-border approach in developing this plan which aims to improve and enhance ferry services for remote and island communities in Scotland and Ireland.

“The ferries provide a lifeline service and play a key role in supporting the economic and social vitality of these communities. Developing new methods for developing and procuring vessels will be critical to ensuring that quality services are maintained in these areas and I look forward to examining the report in more detail.”

The Small Ferries Project was part financed by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.