Stevenson Hooks-A-Truck to Clean Up Problem Pavement Parking

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, took on the Hook-A-Truck challenge at the SNP Conference when charity Guide Dogs Scotland demonstrated the daily difficulties faced by people with sight loss.

The charity used a twist on the funfair game ‘Hook-a-Duck’ to highlight the campaign, and Mr Stevenson became the guide when he navigated a rubber duck round a stream of obstacles.

Mr Stevenson supports Guide Dogs Scotland’s campaign on pavement parking, including a proposed law to stop people from parking on pavements anywhere except where the council deems it unavoidable.

Mr Stevenson said:

“There are nearly two million people in the UK who are living with sight loss, and by 2050 there could be nearly four million - so it’s more important than ever that our streets are safe for people who are blind or partially sighted.

“Badly parked cars are putting the lives of pedestrians – in Banffshire and Buchan Coast – and elsewhere at risk every day. These vehicles are forcing people to step out into the road, without being able to clearly see on-coming traffic.”

Guide Dogs Scotland is currently running an online petition for the public to sign in support of the Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill, so local people can play their part in ending problem parking at www.guidedogsscotland.org.uk.

Jane Horsburgh, Policy Manager for Guide Dogs Scotland, added:

“Parking on pavements is blighting our streets. It puts all pedestrians in danger, particularly those living with sight loss.

“It is terrifying for someone who cannot see oncoming traffic to take the risk of stepping out into a road because someone has decided to park on the pavement. We hope this bill will see this dangerous practice outlawed once and for all, and call on all MSPs to back a change in the law."

Stevenson Welcomes Survey to Improve Cancer Care

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has welcomed the first ever national cancer patient experience survey that has been launched by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The survey has been sent out to all patients who had a confirmed cancer diagnosis between July 2013 and March 2014 and asks patients how they felt regarding the way they were told about their diagnosis, whether they understood the information provided about their treatment, and whether they had confidence and trust in the staff treating them.

The results of the survey will be publically reported at national and health board level in summer 2016, and they will help to shape the future direction of cancer care in Scotland.
Mr Stevenson said:

“I believe that this is an excellent idea funded by both the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support - looking at the future of cancer care in Scotland by asking the people that have already experienced what is on offer. The results of this survey will be very interesting and can only go towards creating a more informed service than what we currently have.”

Janice Preston, General Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, said:

“Macmillan is delighted that the Scottish Government has launched a cancer patient experience survey in Scotland.

“It is the first time such a comprehensive survey of cancer patients’ experiences of care has been conducted in Scotland and Macmillan is delighted to be a partner in this hugely significant initiative. It is vitally important to measure survival rates and cancer waiting times targets, but it is equally important to find out what patients really think about the quality of the care they receive.

“We hope local health boards take the survey’s results into consideration to inform planning for future cancer services to make sure these services meet people’s clinical and non-clinical needs and that they are truly person-centred. Cancer treatment goes beyond surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We need people-centred care, not just symptom-focussed treatment.”

Stevenson Supports Playbus Learning for Children

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, went on board Bertie the sensory bus at a recent Scottish Parliament event to experience the Play Talk Read project visiting his constituency this month.

The Play Talk Read bus is hosting a range of free, accessible and therapeutic multi-sensory play sessions for children with additional needs and their families and will be in Buckie from now until November 11.

Mr Stevenson met some of the children who were enjoying the books, toys and games on board, along with play dough and puffy paint, arts and crafts, a sandpit and a sensory pit to keep the children amused.

He said:

“The Play Talk Read bus was a great experience and very fun for all the children who got on board. I would encourage any parents to consider going along to the bus while they are up in Buckie over the next few weeks.”

The Play Talk Read Bus will be at Burnie Day Centre in Buckie on Wednesday 21st and 28th October and 4th and 11th November from 10am-11.30am; 1-2.30pm and 3-4.30pm. Session space is limited and booking is advisable.

To book a space in one of the small group sessions contact Sarah Sibbert at sarah@workingonwheels.org or on 0131 664 2308. Remaining spaces on the day will be given out on a first come first served basis.