Positive Figures Show Rise in Operations Across NHS Grampian

Figures have revealed more than 2,500 operations were undertaken by NHS Grampian compared with the previous year.

The findings have been welcomed by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin and Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.

The latest elective surgery statistics were released by ISD Scotland and show the health board has performed 2,543 operations more than in the same time period last year and 2,210 more than in 2017.

ISD figures also highlighted how the lowest proportion of operations cancelled in almost four years.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP and Stewart Stevenson MSP, said:

“These results from ISD Scotland are extremely positive.

“We recognise there has been a number of innovative projects which have helped to create extra capacity as well as improving the experience of patients.

“This includes the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Scheme which has helped to create extra free beds at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen.

“We would like to thank all the staff at NHS Grampian for their determination and diligence in the past year which has led to an increase.”

The health board undertook more than 3,120 elective procedures in May with 7.6% (257) of those scheduled in the region not taking place, including almost 100 cancelled by patients and 88 for clinical reasons.

NHS Grampian also performed ahead of the Scottish average of 1.7%, with 1.6% of scheduled elective procedures postponed for non-clinical reasons – the lowest figure for this measure for the region in three years.

Stevenson Welcomes North-East Funding Boost

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed funding for a trio of groups in the North-East.

It comes after the latest round of funding from the National Lottery Awards for all Scotland were announced.

The Three Kings Cullen Association received a £6,500 cash-boost which will be used to install a second toilet in their community centre to provide separate facilities for the groups hiring rooms and residential guests.

And Peterhead & District Men’s Shed received a £10,000 award to erect a third wheelchair accessible workshop for multiple activities including space for crafts and building projects, a teaching space and a free community space for groups to meet.

Gardenstown Community Hub was also awarded £6,000 of funding which will be used for a ramp and accessible toilet in their newly-acquired community hub.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"I am delighted than more than £20,000 of funding has been secured in total across these organisations

“They all do such vital work to support their community and this added cash-boost will help them to offer better facilities.

“National Lottery funding is one of the crucial ways community groups can secure extra cash to improve the services they offer.

“I know all three groups will be delighted with this cash boost and I look forward to visiting the improvements when they are complete.”

Stevenson Welcomes £3.9 Million Scottish Government Investment in New Housing in Portsoy

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has hailed Scottish Government investment of £3.9 million in social housing in Banffshire.

The construction will be completed by housing developer Sanctuary Homes for 44 properties in Portsoy.

The £3.9 million grant from the Scottish Government will help fund the project on the former Campbell Hospital site in the town.

Since 2016, a target has been set to build at least 50,000 new affordable homes, of which 35,000 will be for social rent, with investment of more than £1.75 billion.

In comparison, the number of social homes being built by the UK Government under the Tories has fallen by almost 90 percent since the Tories came into power in 2010.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The Scottish Government is doing all it can to support decent, affordable housing in the North-east.

“Not only will it help to provide homes for people, it shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the region, creating jobs and investment.

“While the SNP have delivered more affordable homes, the level of social housing available in England has continued to plummet under the Tories.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to helping people feel settled and giving them fair access to property at an affordable level.

“In this Parliamentary term, we have set a target to build at least 50,000 new affordable homes, of which 35,000 will be for social rent, with investment of more than £1.75 billion.”