Friday 21st Apr 2006
Under Threat: The Pint
A campaign to stop pints of milk being phased out has been launched.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) says proposed EU legislation could see the pint disappear in favour of half-litres and litres.
It is calling on MPs to back its calls for rules allowing food packaging variations among EU member states to remain unchanged.
The disappearance of pints of milk could confuse UK shoppers, the BRC said.
Andrew Opie, the group's director of food and consumer policy, said: "This legislation is just another example of unnecessary legislation the European Commission is trying to impose on members states.
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"Feedback from retailers is that consumers are happy with the current pint measurement and would not want to see changes in this area. As far as many are concerned, this is just needless changes to legislation."
The European Commission has proposed a directive laying down rules on nominal quantities for pre-packed products.
A report commissioned by the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection recommends that drinking milk should be packaged in seven different metric sizes so that shoppers know exactly what they are buying.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Department of Work and Pensions not renewing contract.
Plans already in full swing according to NSFP
UK government plans to scrap the Post Office Card Account, which many people use to access benefit payments, are already in full swing, according to the National Federation of SubPostmasters.
The Department of Work and Pensions has already announced its intention not to renew the £1 billion contract, meaning that accounts would be closed by 2010. However, the NFSP claims that the accounts are already being run down with new claimants being refused access from this February, and some existing customers are being stripped of their accounts without their consent.
The accounts, which replace the old system of booklets and cash over the counter, are used by 4.3 million people each week to draw pensions and benefits. The direct payments were seen as a step towards modernising the benefit system, making it safer, more flexible and more accessible for claimants.
NFSP general secretary Colin Baker urged customers to resist what he called the "underhand, bully-boy tactics" of the Government and chastised them for refusing "to acknowledge our customers' support for their post office or their right to choose how they access their benefits".
The closure of the accounts is also likely to have a significant impact on low income households, many of whom have difficulties opening bank accounts due to low credit ratings and outstanding debts. This has a knock-on effect for their ability to manage their finances and apply for credit cards and insurance.
Subpost offices make up 97 per cent of the UK national network of post offices and are run by private business people on behalf of the Post Office.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Plans already in full swing according to NSFP
UK government plans to scrap the Post Office Card Account, which many people use to access benefit payments, are already in full swing, according to the National Federation of SubPostmasters.
The Department of Work and Pensions has already announced its intention not to renew the £1 billion contract, meaning that accounts would be closed by 2010. However, the NFSP claims that the accounts are already being run down with new claimants being refused access from this February, and some existing customers are being stripped of their accounts without their consent.
The accounts, which replace the old system of booklets and cash over the counter, are used by 4.3 million people each week to draw pensions and benefits. The direct payments were seen as a step towards modernising the benefit system, making it safer, more flexible and more accessible for claimants.
NFSP general secretary Colin Baker urged customers to resist what he called the "underhand, bully-boy tactics" of the Government and chastised them for refusing "to acknowledge our customers' support for their post office or their right to choose how they access their benefits".
The closure of the accounts is also likely to have a significant impact on low income households, many of whom have difficulties opening bank accounts due to low credit ratings and outstanding debts. This has a knock-on effect for their ability to manage their finances and apply for credit cards and insurance.
Subpost offices make up 97 per cent of the UK national network of post offices and are run by private business people on behalf of the Post Office.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Saturday 17th Dec 2005
David Cameron (Dave to his friends), an old Etonian distantly related to the Queen, has been elected leader of the Conservative Party.
At last, it has dawned on Tory members that they need to be in touch with the reality of the modern world and the lives of the majority of British people!
As his first step, Dave is bringing back that icon of the new century William Hague to the front bench.
No one seems to know a lot about what Dave actually believes in but we have a few clues.
We do know that he first emerged as a special adviser to Norman Lamont, standing right behind him on 'Black Wednesday' as Norm was announcing a "turbulent day on the markets", or 15 per cent interest rates to you and me.
In his four years as an MP, Dave hasn't been notable as a champion of change and modernisation of the Tories' policies. On the contrary, like his Tory colleagues he voted against the extra spending on the health service and schools, opposed the Winter Fuel Allowance and voted against increasing maternity leave and pay.
He voted in favour of keeping fox hunting. He didn't just support the Tory manifesto earlier this year, with the policies to subsidise private health care and private education and the irresponsible focus on immigration, he wrote it.
Dave is passionate about one thing, not saying what his new policies will be. The one glimmer we do have is that he is looking at a flat tax.
This is the new idea which means that nurses and home helps pay the same tax rate as the millionaire. Alongside that he wants a new spending rule which would have one result - billions of pounds of immediate cuts in public services, just when we are seeing real improvements working through.
The Tories think that they have the whiff of power in their nostrils and they will be willing to do and say anything to get it. The Tory press are lining up as cheerleaders and we can expect multi-millionaire backers to throw any amount of money at the Conservative Party if they sense a real chance of victory.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
At last, it has dawned on Tory members that they need to be in touch with the reality of the modern world and the lives of the majority of British people!
As his first step, Dave is bringing back that icon of the new century William Hague to the front bench.
No one seems to know a lot about what Dave actually believes in but we have a few clues.
We do know that he first emerged as a special adviser to Norman Lamont, standing right behind him on 'Black Wednesday' as Norm was announcing a "turbulent day on the markets", or 15 per cent interest rates to you and me.
In his four years as an MP, Dave hasn't been notable as a champion of change and modernisation of the Tories' policies. On the contrary, like his Tory colleagues he voted against the extra spending on the health service and schools, opposed the Winter Fuel Allowance and voted against increasing maternity leave and pay.
He voted in favour of keeping fox hunting. He didn't just support the Tory manifesto earlier this year, with the policies to subsidise private health care and private education and the irresponsible focus on immigration, he wrote it.
Dave is passionate about one thing, not saying what his new policies will be. The one glimmer we do have is that he is looking at a flat tax.
This is the new idea which means that nurses and home helps pay the same tax rate as the millionaire. Alongside that he wants a new spending rule which would have one result - billions of pounds of immediate cuts in public services, just when we are seeing real improvements working through.
The Tories think that they have the whiff of power in their nostrils and they will be willing to do and say anything to get it. The Tory press are lining up as cheerleaders and we can expect multi-millionaire backers to throw any amount of money at the Conservative Party if they sense a real chance of victory.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Saturday 26th Nov 2005
Scottish Executive Dental Action Plan - NHS Dentists to Reap Reward [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 06:39:07.
The Scottish Executive has announced plans to reward dentists committed to the NHS in its new dental action plan.
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald outlined the additional funding ahead of today’s debate on dentistry.
"We believe that a committed NHS dentist is one who treats both children and adults. We want to ensure that the bulk of the new funds go to NHS dentists,” he said.
"Of the £295m in additional funding we have made available, 80 per cent will go directly to high-street dentists. All dentists in Scotland who are committed to providing a service for NHS patients will now be able to access this money - worth tens of thousands of pounds for each dentist”
"To reward dentists who have de-registered all their fee-paying adult NHS patients would be letting down committed NHS dentists. It would not improve access to NHS dentistry nor would it improve our country's oral health – both of which I am focused on delivering nationwide."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald outlined the additional funding ahead of today’s debate on dentistry.
"We believe that a committed NHS dentist is one who treats both children and adults. We want to ensure that the bulk of the new funds go to NHS dentists,” he said.
"Of the £295m in additional funding we have made available, 80 per cent will go directly to high-street dentists. All dentists in Scotland who are committed to providing a service for NHS patients will now be able to access this money - worth tens of thousands of pounds for each dentist”
"To reward dentists who have de-registered all their fee-paying adult NHS patients would be letting down committed NHS dentists. It would not improve access to NHS dentistry nor would it improve our country's oral health – both of which I am focused on delivering nationwide."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
A British internet domain scammer is jailed for six years.
A 23-year-old Cambridge man has been sentenced to six years for conning people out of £1.6m and making violent threats.
Peter Francis-Macrae was found guilty at Peterborough Crown Court of fraudulent trading, concealing criminal property, threatening to destroy or damage property, blackmail, and making death threats.
He is believed to have made in excess of £50,000 a week through offering to register .eu domains, when he had no powers to do so. As much as £1.1m of his ill-gotten gains has been stashed away, say investigators, and Francis-Macrae is refusing to say where.
He had sent emails to companies offering to register .eu European domains, as well as mail-shots to others claiming their domains were due to expire, demanding a renewal fee.
'Whoever stood in the way of your criminality became subject to abuse and threats. You are, I think, one of the most vindictive young men I have ever seen,' said Judge Nicholas Coleman.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
A 23-year-old Cambridge man has been sentenced to six years for conning people out of £1.6m and making violent threats.
Peter Francis-Macrae was found guilty at Peterborough Crown Court of fraudulent trading, concealing criminal property, threatening to destroy or damage property, blackmail, and making death threats.
He is believed to have made in excess of £50,000 a week through offering to register .eu domains, when he had no powers to do so. As much as £1.1m of his ill-gotten gains has been stashed away, say investigators, and Francis-Macrae is refusing to say where.
He had sent emails to companies offering to register .eu European domains, as well as mail-shots to others claiming their domains were due to expire, demanding a renewal fee.
'Whoever stood in the way of your criminality became subject to abuse and threats. You are, I think, one of the most vindictive young men I have ever seen,' said Judge Nicholas Coleman.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Tuesday 15th Nov 2005
Welfare Payment Services Centres in Scotland to be Cut [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 08:54:07.
Plans to Deliver Welfare Services in Scotland From Remote Centres.
The plan to consolidate benefit services by June 2007 from 145 local offices across Scotland to eight centralised processing centres.
15th November 2005
PCS Opposes Benefit Processing Factories
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has attacked plans to deliver welfare services in Scotland from remote centres.
The union says that a notice circulated to staff working in the Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Job Centre Plus shows a plan to consolidate benefit services by June 2007 from 145 local offices across Scotland to eight centralised processing centres, five ‘stepping stones’ centres and five others delivering singular benefits.
The PCS says a reduced number of local offices will stay open but provide only a fraction of the services.
Sam Hall, Chair of the PCS Scotland Committee said: “The Department of Work and Pensions is already facing 30,000 jobs cuts across Britain as part of Gordon Brown’s civil service jobs cuts programme. Many offices have reached crisis point. Contact centres are not answering up to 80% of calls. The computer system put in to deal with benefits is collapsing with over 50% of claims having to be processed clerically.”
As an example, Stewart Dalley, PCS DWP Regional secretary said that Social Fund claimants living in Clydebank will have to telephone Inverness whilst Incapacity Benefit claimants in Dunfermline will need to speak to someone in Glasgow.
“Residents of Lockerbie will have to travel to Dumfries to find out what jobs are available. Those in Nairn will have to travel to Inverness and if you living in Thurso, you will have to make the arduous journey to Wick,” he said.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
The plan to consolidate benefit services by June 2007 from 145 local offices across Scotland to eight centralised processing centres.
15th November 2005
PCS Opposes Benefit Processing Factories
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has attacked plans to deliver welfare services in Scotland from remote centres.
The union says that a notice circulated to staff working in the Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Job Centre Plus shows a plan to consolidate benefit services by June 2007 from 145 local offices across Scotland to eight centralised processing centres, five ‘stepping stones’ centres and five others delivering singular benefits.
The PCS says a reduced number of local offices will stay open but provide only a fraction of the services.
Sam Hall, Chair of the PCS Scotland Committee said: “The Department of Work and Pensions is already facing 30,000 jobs cuts across Britain as part of Gordon Brown’s civil service jobs cuts programme. Many offices have reached crisis point. Contact centres are not answering up to 80% of calls. The computer system put in to deal with benefits is collapsing with over 50% of claims having to be processed clerically.”
As an example, Stewart Dalley, PCS DWP Regional secretary said that Social Fund claimants living in Clydebank will have to telephone Inverness whilst Incapacity Benefit claimants in Dunfermline will need to speak to someone in Glasgow.
“Residents of Lockerbie will have to travel to Dumfries to find out what jobs are available. Those in Nairn will have to travel to Inverness and if you living in Thurso, you will have to make the arduous journey to Wick,” he said.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Thursday 27th Oct 2005
Free bus travel all around Scotland for older and disabled people
24th October 2005
Free bus travel all around Scotland for older and disabled people took a step closer to becoming a reality today when Transport Minister Tavish Scott announced the beginning of the public consultation on the scheme.
Over 500 concerned stakeholders will be asked to comment on the proposed national concessionary scheme which is set go live on 1 April 2006. The scheme will see the current restricted local bus entitlements extended to provide unlimited Scotland-wide free bus travel at any time of the day. In addiction, older and disabled residents of Scottish islands will receive two free return ferry trips a year.
Scott commented: “The devolved government of Scotland is committed to giving our older and disabled people free travel across Scotland's entire bus network. We've worked very closely with the bus operators, local authorities, currenmt local concessionary schemes and the Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS) to develop what the national scheme will look like.”
The consultation closes on 5 December
Allan Wilson
MSP Cunninghame North
24th October 2005
Free bus travel all around Scotland for older and disabled people took a step closer to becoming a reality today when Transport Minister Tavish Scott announced the beginning of the public consultation on the scheme.
Over 500 concerned stakeholders will be asked to comment on the proposed national concessionary scheme which is set go live on 1 April 2006. The scheme will see the current restricted local bus entitlements extended to provide unlimited Scotland-wide free bus travel at any time of the day. In addiction, older and disabled residents of Scottish islands will receive two free return ferry trips a year.
Scott commented: “The devolved government of Scotland is committed to giving our older and disabled people free travel across Scotland's entire bus network. We've worked very closely with the bus operators, local authorities, currenmt local concessionary schemes and the Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS) to develop what the national scheme will look like.”
The consultation closes on 5 December
Allan Wilson
MSP Cunninghame North
Polish dentists being recruited to work in Scotland
19th October 2005
Polish dentists will be recruited to work within the Scotland to alleviate problems with NHS dental waiting times and access, Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald announced yesterday.
The first 12 dentists of the 32 being recruited will arrive in Scotland by the end of January 2006 and will provide treatment for around 20,000 patients.
Macdonald also confirmed that a number of health boards are in discussion with an independent dental services provider – Integrated Dental Holdings – to provide NHS dental treatment in areas where there are currently difficulties in accessing NHS services.
“Our aim is to restore the balance so that patients who want to access NHS dental services can do so, wherever they live in Scotland. Building up the salaried dental service is one way in which we can achieve this. It will allow increasing numbers of patients to choose not to pay extra for the privilege of seeing the dentist.”
“We expect NHS Boards to be looking at innovative ways of recruiting staff to their area and sourcing high-quality staff from outwith Scotland is an excellent way of doing this. I am also pleased to be able to confirm that talks are proceeding with Integrated Dental Holdings to provide services in areas where access to an NHS dentist has become a problem for many. While IDH is a privately owned corporation, they will undertake NHS work directly and will have no financial interest in de-registering NHS patients,” he said.
Allan Wilson
MSP Cunninghame North
19th October 2005
Polish dentists will be recruited to work within the Scotland to alleviate problems with NHS dental waiting times and access, Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald announced yesterday.
The first 12 dentists of the 32 being recruited will arrive in Scotland by the end of January 2006 and will provide treatment for around 20,000 patients.
Macdonald also confirmed that a number of health boards are in discussion with an independent dental services provider – Integrated Dental Holdings – to provide NHS dental treatment in areas where there are currently difficulties in accessing NHS services.
“Our aim is to restore the balance so that patients who want to access NHS dental services can do so, wherever they live in Scotland. Building up the salaried dental service is one way in which we can achieve this. It will allow increasing numbers of patients to choose not to pay extra for the privilege of seeing the dentist.”
“We expect NHS Boards to be looking at innovative ways of recruiting staff to their area and sourcing high-quality staff from outwith Scotland is an excellent way of doing this. I am also pleased to be able to confirm that talks are proceeding with Integrated Dental Holdings to provide services in areas where access to an NHS dentist has become a problem for many. While IDH is a privately owned corporation, they will undertake NHS work directly and will have no financial interest in de-registering NHS patients,” he said.
Allan Wilson
MSP Cunninghame North
Monday 05th Sep 2005
5th September 2005
Communities across Scotland are being urged to talk about the hidden practice of forced marriage and consider if legislation could be drafted to tackle the problem effectively.
A forced marriage is one which takes place without the consent of both partners and today, in partnership with UK ministers, Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm launched a consultation about whether to create a specific criminal offence of forcing someone to marry.
Currently, there is no specific criminal offence relating to forced marriage within the UK.
Chisholm said that was an important distinction between forced marriage and the cultural tradition of arranged marriage, where the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with individuals.
“In forced marriage there is no choice and victims, be they young women or men, can come from a range of backgrounds with their marriages taking place here in the UK or abroad.”
"Here in Scotland, we can already take action against people involved in crimes associated with forced marriage, but we are asking whether people feel there should be a specific criminal offence. I am keen that we consider the benefits and the risks of a legislative response by hearing directly from those who have been affected by this issue.
He said that he hoped women's and victims groups, statutory agencies, community and faith organisations would all get involved in the discussion.
The deadline for consultation responses is 5 December.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Communities across Scotland are being urged to talk about the hidden practice of forced marriage and consider if legislation could be drafted to tackle the problem effectively.
A forced marriage is one which takes place without the consent of both partners and today, in partnership with UK ministers, Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm launched a consultation about whether to create a specific criminal offence of forcing someone to marry.
Currently, there is no specific criminal offence relating to forced marriage within the UK.
Chisholm said that was an important distinction between forced marriage and the cultural tradition of arranged marriage, where the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with individuals.
“In forced marriage there is no choice and victims, be they young women or men, can come from a range of backgrounds with their marriages taking place here in the UK or abroad.”
"Here in Scotland, we can already take action against people involved in crimes associated with forced marriage, but we are asking whether people feel there should be a specific criminal offence. I am keen that we consider the benefits and the risks of a legislative response by hearing directly from those who have been affected by this issue.
He said that he hoped women's and victims groups, statutory agencies, community and faith organisations would all get involved in the discussion.
The deadline for consultation responses is 5 December.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Executive seeks Views on Violent Porn Ban
30th August 2005
The Scottish Executive has launched a consultation in conjunction with the Home Office to find out if the public agrees that there should be laws banning the downloading of violent pornography from the Net.
Under the proposals, it would be an offence to be in possessions of images depicting serious sexual violence.
The types of material that could be banned are already illegal to publish in the UK under the Obscene Publications Act, but these laws have not yet been extended to cover material published electronically in the UK from abroad.
The Executive is looking for people’s views on how the current law could be changed to include Internet material, exactly what kind of pornography should be included in a ban, and what the penalties for possession of such images should be.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson commented: "Violent pornography is abhorrent. As we have always made clear, the Scottish Executive is committed to tackling abuse and discrimination wherever it appears in our society. We have already increased the penalties for possession and distribution of child pornography.”
“If it is found that the law can be strengthened to cut violent pornography from our society, then we will take action."
The consultation is being carried out jointly as Internet publication is not limited by geographical borders, but if there is a need to legislate, the Executive will do so separately in Scotland.
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said that the material that would be affected by the proposed ban was “extremely offensive to the vast majority of people, and it should have no place in our society”.
“These forms of violent and abusive pornography go far beyond what we allow to be shown in films or even sold in licensed sex shops in the UK, so they should not be available online either,” he added.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
30th August 2005
The Scottish Executive has launched a consultation in conjunction with the Home Office to find out if the public agrees that there should be laws banning the downloading of violent pornography from the Net.
Under the proposals, it would be an offence to be in possessions of images depicting serious sexual violence.
The types of material that could be banned are already illegal to publish in the UK under the Obscene Publications Act, but these laws have not yet been extended to cover material published electronically in the UK from abroad.
The Executive is looking for people’s views on how the current law could be changed to include Internet material, exactly what kind of pornography should be included in a ban, and what the penalties for possession of such images should be.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson commented: "Violent pornography is abhorrent. As we have always made clear, the Scottish Executive is committed to tackling abuse and discrimination wherever it appears in our society. We have already increased the penalties for possession and distribution of child pornography.”
“If it is found that the law can be strengthened to cut violent pornography from our society, then we will take action."
The consultation is being carried out jointly as Internet publication is not limited by geographical borders, but if there is a need to legislate, the Executive will do so separately in Scotland.
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said that the material that would be affected by the proposed ban was “extremely offensive to the vast majority of people, and it should have no place in our society”.
“These forms of violent and abusive pornography go far beyond what we allow to be shown in films or even sold in licensed sex shops in the UK, so they should not be available online either,” he added.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Sunday 28th Aug 2005
Phishing Gang Caught by National Hi Tech Crime Unit [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 05:57:10.
Phishing (pronounced "fishing", which is what it is)
If you ever wondered whether the threat of phishing and identity theft is being overblown by security companies, the National Hi Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) has revealed the real cost of these scams, after two men were sentenced for their part in a multimillion pound crime syndicate.
As part of an ongoing investigation into an international crime ring, specialising in identity theft through phishing campaigns, the NHTCU helped arrest US citizen Douglas Havard and British Lee Elwood in Leeds and Glasgow. Havard and Elwood have now been sentenced to six and four years respectively.
The pair were using identity and credit card information sent to them by organised gangs in Eastern Europe which had collected pools of such data through the use of phishing scams. These dupe victims into giving away valuable credentials through the use of spoofed banking and finance sites.
The men were also key members of underground websites dedicated to defrauding people through stealing identities and financial information. A quick search on Google showed that forged credit cards are being offered for as little as $40 a pop. However the website through which this was advertised is now unavailable.
You should ensure you have a good firewall installed and keep it updated.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
If you ever wondered whether the threat of phishing and identity theft is being overblown by security companies, the National Hi Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) has revealed the real cost of these scams, after two men were sentenced for their part in a multimillion pound crime syndicate.
As part of an ongoing investigation into an international crime ring, specialising in identity theft through phishing campaigns, the NHTCU helped arrest US citizen Douglas Havard and British Lee Elwood in Leeds and Glasgow. Havard and Elwood have now been sentenced to six and four years respectively.
The pair were using identity and credit card information sent to them by organised gangs in Eastern Europe which had collected pools of such data through the use of phishing scams. These dupe victims into giving away valuable credentials through the use of spoofed banking and finance sites.
The men were also key members of underground websites dedicated to defrauding people through stealing identities and financial information. A quick search on Google showed that forged credit cards are being offered for as little as $40 a pop. However the website through which this was advertised is now unavailable.
You should ensure you have a good firewall installed and keep it updated.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Friday 26th Aug 2005
Full-Time Armed Guards For Nuclear Power Stations [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 08:32:22.
SCOTLAND'S two nuclear power stations are to have their own dedicated teams of armed police to protect them from attack by terrorists.
Armed guards will be stationed at the power stations at Hunterston in Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian, which between them produce about 40% of Scotland's electricity.
The move had been ordered by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), which decides on security at atomic power stations.The new teams of guards will be in place at the two power stations from early next year at the latest.
The step had been ordered before the London bombings as a general move to boost security at Scotland's nuclear plants in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and that it was not related either to the London attacks or any specific intelligence of a direct threat to the Scottish stations.
Earlier this year, government investigators unveiled a host of security failures at British nuclear sites. The incidents, which even included a burglary, were uncovered by the OCNS.
During the 12 months ending April 2004, the agency recorded more than 40 security breaches, including eight incidents it classified as "failures of security leading to unacceptable or undesirable consequences."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Armed guards will be stationed at the power stations at Hunterston in Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian, which between them produce about 40% of Scotland's electricity.
The move had been ordered by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), which decides on security at atomic power stations.The new teams of guards will be in place at the two power stations from early next year at the latest.
The step had been ordered before the London bombings as a general move to boost security at Scotland's nuclear plants in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and that it was not related either to the London attacks or any specific intelligence of a direct threat to the Scottish stations.
Earlier this year, government investigators unveiled a host of security failures at British nuclear sites. The incidents, which even included a burglary, were uncovered by the OCNS.
During the 12 months ending April 2004, the agency recorded more than 40 security breaches, including eight incidents it classified as "failures of security leading to unacceptable or undesirable consequences."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
A report in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found that most regular smokers aged 12-15 have little difficulty in accessing cigarettes and regularly buy them from shops. Around 80 per cent of 15 year olds say alcoholic drinks are very or fairly easy to obtain.
While most underage drinkers tend to obtain alcohol though friends or relatives, a “substantial minority” say they buy their own and by the age of 16-17, most drinkers usually buy alcohol themselves.
The report went on to recommend that an increase in the price of cigarettes and alcohol could reduce demand for them although its authors conceded that measures to control the street supply of illicit drugs would appear to have had little impact on their price.
This is an issue requiring further investigation and I welcome any comments you may have to offer.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
While most underage drinkers tend to obtain alcohol though friends or relatives, a “substantial minority” say they buy their own and by the age of 16-17, most drinkers usually buy alcohol themselves.
The report went on to recommend that an increase in the price of cigarettes and alcohol could reduce demand for them although its authors conceded that measures to control the street supply of illicit drugs would appear to have had little impact on their price.
This is an issue requiring further investigation and I welcome any comments you may have to offer.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Thursday 25th Aug 2005
Should There be Financial Obligations Between Not Married Co-Habiting Couples?
Popular opinion is out of kilter with new Bill.
Members of the public believe that co-habiting couples who are not married should not be financially obligated to one another in the event of break-up, despite some measures included in the proposed Family Law (Scotland) Bill.
When two cohabiting partners with different levels of income and no children, 57 per cent of respondents said that the partner with the lower income should not be entitled to financial support from the other person.
The Bill allows for a court to order one partner to pay a sum to the other partner in the event of a relationship break-up. It also makes the presumption (which can be argued against in court) that houshold goods should be divided equally between the partners.
While the Bill will introduce some measures to protect an "economically vulnerable" partner, it will not as yet confer the same financial protection as marriage.
What is your oppinion?
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
Popular opinion is out of kilter with new Bill.
Members of the public believe that co-habiting couples who are not married should not be financially obligated to one another in the event of break-up, despite some measures included in the proposed Family Law (Scotland) Bill.
When two cohabiting partners with different levels of income and no children, 57 per cent of respondents said that the partner with the lower income should not be entitled to financial support from the other person.
The Bill allows for a court to order one partner to pay a sum to the other partner in the event of a relationship break-up. It also makes the presumption (which can be argued against in court) that houshold goods should be divided equally between the partners.
While the Bill will introduce some measures to protect an "economically vulnerable" partner, it will not as yet confer the same financial protection as marriage.
What is your oppinion?
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
Tuesday 02nd Aug 2005
For those of you who may be fed-up with this "Crazy Frog " thing-----
you may consider the following solution......
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
you may consider the following solution......
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Friday 29th Jul 2005
No Change Over Shoot-to-Kill Policy
Home Secretary Jack Straw will meet his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim in London to apologise for the death of an innocent man at the hands of plainclothes armed detectives.
Jean Charles de Menezes, 27, a Brazilian electrician on his way to work, was shot dead by police as he tried to get on a train at Stockwell Tube station on Friday.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian also apologised to Mr de Menezes' family, but defended his officers' actions.
He said: "It's a deeply regretful action. But we have to consider what would have happened if these officers had not shot, and that man had been a suicide bomber, and had got on the Tube, and the doors closed with the officers having taken the wrong decision.
"That would have been absolutely dreadful. The most important thing I can do is to offer our regrets, but then we have to move on in the biggest operation the Metropolitan Police has ever undertaken."
He refused to curtail the controversial shoot-to-kill policy in which firearms officers are instructed to shoot suicide bomb suspects in the head, and he admitted more people may die as a result.
With four suicide bombers on the loose, Home Secretary Charles Clarke made a last minute decision to postpone a planned family holiday.
The revelation that Mr Clarke had been intending to leave his desk at all added to controversy over MPs' 80-day summer break at a time when the country is facing a terrorist crisis.
Police forensic officers were continuing to examine a package removed from bushes at Little Wormwood Scrubs, north west London.
The bomb squad carried out controlled explosions on it and police believe it may be a fifth device linked to the four which failed to go off last Thursday.
Home Secretary Jack Straw will meet his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim in London to apologise for the death of an innocent man at the hands of plainclothes armed detectives.
Jean Charles de Menezes, 27, a Brazilian electrician on his way to work, was shot dead by police as he tried to get on a train at Stockwell Tube station on Friday.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian also apologised to Mr de Menezes' family, but defended his officers' actions.
He said: "It's a deeply regretful action. But we have to consider what would have happened if these officers had not shot, and that man had been a suicide bomber, and had got on the Tube, and the doors closed with the officers having taken the wrong decision.
"That would have been absolutely dreadful. The most important thing I can do is to offer our regrets, but then we have to move on in the biggest operation the Metropolitan Police has ever undertaken."
He refused to curtail the controversial shoot-to-kill policy in which firearms officers are instructed to shoot suicide bomb suspects in the head, and he admitted more people may die as a result.
With four suicide bombers on the loose, Home Secretary Charles Clarke made a last minute decision to postpone a planned family holiday.
The revelation that Mr Clarke had been intending to leave his desk at all added to controversy over MPs' 80-day summer break at a time when the country is facing a terrorist crisis.
Police forensic officers were continuing to examine a package removed from bushes at Little Wormwood Scrubs, north west London.
The bomb squad carried out controlled explosions on it and police believe it may be a fifth device linked to the four which failed to go off last Thursday.
Parliament Email Scan - Minister's Name Taken in Vain [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 07:14:46.
Minister's Name Taken in Vain
Email users accustomed to Nigerian banking scams should watch out as fraudsters try a new technique - impersonating Scottish Executive ministers...
25th July 2005
Email users accustomed to Nigerian banking scams should watch out as fraudsters try a new technique - impersonating Scottish Executive ministers.
A new email doing the rounds, purportedly from Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Patricia Ferguson, asks readers to assist with the "investment and securing of a fund amounting to $40 million".
One of the many giveaways is the tone of the email, with the fake Ferguson claiming to be a "well dignified woman in the society", and the email subject line reading "BEST REGARDS!!!".
The mail has been sent out from an address designed to look like a plausible MSP's address: patriciafergusonmsp@virtualgovscottishparliament.org
It is not known if other ministers' identities have been used in similar emails.
How to avoid scams
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/general/scams/index.shtml
Email users accustomed to Nigerian banking scams should watch out as fraudsters try a new technique - impersonating Scottish Executive ministers...
25th July 2005
Email users accustomed to Nigerian banking scams should watch out as fraudsters try a new technique - impersonating Scottish Executive ministers.
A new email doing the rounds, purportedly from Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Patricia Ferguson, asks readers to assist with the "investment and securing of a fund amounting to $40 million".
One of the many giveaways is the tone of the email, with the fake Ferguson claiming to be a "well dignified woman in the society", and the email subject line reading "BEST REGARDS!!!".
The mail has been sent out from an address designed to look like a plausible MSP's address: patriciafergusonmsp@virtualgovscottishparliament.org
It is not known if other ministers' identities have been used in similar emails.
How to avoid scams
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/general/scams/index.shtml
Wednesday 20th Jul 2005
19th July 2005
NHS patients told rights and responsibilities
"The NHS and You" is a leaflet to be distributed to patients that the Scottish Consumer Council says is "the first clear statement of what the public can expect from the NHS since the Patient's Charter of the 1990s".
The leaflet gives details of the current target waiting times within which people should be seen or treated and tells them what to do if these are not achieved.
It tells patients that the NHS will provide a safe high quality service that is designed to meet the needs of patients, their carers and families. It also promises "best possible care and treatment in a safe and clean setting" and services that "take account of patients' needs and preferences".
As well as outlining patients' rights, "The NHS and You" states what responsibilities patients have. These include only using emergency services in a real emergency, treating healthcare staff with respect and being on time for appointments.
People are also requested to take precautions when visiting hospitals to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
A second leaflet is called "Making A Complaint about the NHS", and explains who can complain, how to complain, what happens after a complaint is made and what people should do if they are not satisfied with the way a complaint has been handled.
Graeme Millar, chairman of the Scottish Consumer Council, commented: " These leaflets provide important information for people in Scotland which will help them make best use of the NHS."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
NHS patients told rights and responsibilities
"The NHS and You" is a leaflet to be distributed to patients that the Scottish Consumer Council says is "the first clear statement of what the public can expect from the NHS since the Patient's Charter of the 1990s".
The leaflet gives details of the current target waiting times within which people should be seen or treated and tells them what to do if these are not achieved.
It tells patients that the NHS will provide a safe high quality service that is designed to meet the needs of patients, their carers and families. It also promises "best possible care and treatment in a safe and clean setting" and services that "take account of patients' needs and preferences".
As well as outlining patients' rights, "The NHS and You" states what responsibilities patients have. These include only using emergency services in a real emergency, treating healthcare staff with respect and being on time for appointments.
People are also requested to take precautions when visiting hospitals to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
A second leaflet is called "Making A Complaint about the NHS", and explains who can complain, how to complain, what happens after a complaint is made and what people should do if they are not satisfied with the way a complaint has been handled.
Graeme Millar, chairman of the Scottish Consumer Council, commented: " These leaflets provide important information for people in Scotland which will help them make best use of the NHS."
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
19th July 2005
Parliament grounds open to public
The landscaped grounds at Holyrood have opened to the general public, fulfilling architect Enric Miralles' desire for the Parliament to be a "building growing out of the land".
The landscaping, featuring plants, trees and Scottish native meadow grasses, was designed to blend into the wild grass in neighbouring Holyrood Park.
Opening up this carefully landscaped area fulfils architect Enric Miralles' desire for the Parliament to be a "building growing out of the land." The landscaping, carefully designed to have a natural feel, blends into the wild sweep of grass that is Holyrood Park.
Landscape architect Kenny Fraser, of leading firm RMJM, who headed the project, said: "The landscaped area is a mirror image of the Parliament's debating chamber. The concept was for representatives of the people to meet in the chamber while the people meet in the grounds of Holyrood."
"I am delighted that visitors can now use the gardens fully, and I would encourage them to go there to meet with friends and to chat as the original design intended."
Find out about Holyrood's landscaped grounds
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/holyrood/building/ExternalFeatures.htm%20
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Parliament grounds open to public
The landscaped grounds at Holyrood have opened to the general public, fulfilling architect Enric Miralles' desire for the Parliament to be a "building growing out of the land".
The landscaping, featuring plants, trees and Scottish native meadow grasses, was designed to blend into the wild grass in neighbouring Holyrood Park.
Opening up this carefully landscaped area fulfils architect Enric Miralles' desire for the Parliament to be a "building growing out of the land." The landscaping, carefully designed to have a natural feel, blends into the wild sweep of grass that is Holyrood Park.
Landscape architect Kenny Fraser, of leading firm RMJM, who headed the project, said: "The landscaped area is a mirror image of the Parliament's debating chamber. The concept was for representatives of the people to meet in the chamber while the people meet in the grounds of Holyrood."
"I am delighted that visitors can now use the gardens fully, and I would encourage them to go there to meet with friends and to chat as the original design intended."
Find out about Holyrood's landscaped grounds
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/holyrood/building/ExternalFeatures.htm%20
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
19th July 2005
EC says CalMac tendering inescapable
Scottish Ministers must "urgently" put ferry routes run by publicly owned Caledonian MacBrayne out to tender, insisted the European Commission yesterday.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott was meeting with European transport commissioner Jacques Barot in Brussels.
An Executive spokesman said that Scott and Barot, who is also European Commission Vice-President, had a "very clear discussion".
"The Vice-President was sympathetic to the situation, and was aware of the specific circumstances of the west of Scotland."
“However, he was absolutely clear that changes to existing ferry arrangements had to be put in place urgently to make the situation compatible with Community law, which requires public service contracts be awarded through open, fair and non discriminatory procedures, and that he saw no alternative to tendering."
Scott is expected to reflect on this discussion and report back to the Scottish Parliament in September regarding how the Executive intends to proceed.
Many experts in Scotland have convincingly challenged the case for tendering, including the suggestion that it is required under EU rules.
Last December MSPs defeated a Scottish Executive motion asking them to endorse the tendering of the west coast ferry routes by a single vote.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
EC says CalMac tendering inescapable
Scottish Ministers must "urgently" put ferry routes run by publicly owned Caledonian MacBrayne out to tender, insisted the European Commission yesterday.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott was meeting with European transport commissioner Jacques Barot in Brussels.
An Executive spokesman said that Scott and Barot, who is also European Commission Vice-President, had a "very clear discussion".
"The Vice-President was sympathetic to the situation, and was aware of the specific circumstances of the west of Scotland."
“However, he was absolutely clear that changes to existing ferry arrangements had to be put in place urgently to make the situation compatible with Community law, which requires public service contracts be awarded through open, fair and non discriminatory procedures, and that he saw no alternative to tendering."
Scott is expected to reflect on this discussion and report back to the Scottish Parliament in September regarding how the Executive intends to proceed.
Many experts in Scotland have convincingly challenged the case for tendering, including the suggestion that it is required under EU rules.
Last December MSPs defeated a Scottish Executive motion asking them to endorse the tendering of the west coast ferry routes by a single vote.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
24th May 2005
Academic challenges ferry service tendering
Plans to allow private companies to compete to run Clyde and Hebrides ferry services came under fire at the Scottish Parliament today, as an academic queried the legal necessity for the proposals.
The Scottish Executive has said that European rules about subsidised routes (such as lifeline services serving Scottish island communities) mean that those operated by Caledonian MacBrayne must face tendering.
It has said that the Commission could launch legal proceedings against it if it does not open the routes up to tender.
However, at the end of last year, the Parliament voted against plans for opening the routes to competition, although this decision was later overturned after a series of backroom discussions.
Dr Paul Bennett of the Institute of Geography at Edinburgh University today gave evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee and argued against the need for tendering.
Regularly cited as a reason for not tendering is a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that said that essential public services can be subsidised without the necessity for tendering in certain cases.
The Executive, however, insisted on sticking to a 1992 Cabotage regulation saying that public service contracts, where operators are subsidised to run unprofitable lifeline routes, have to be conducted on "a non-discriminatory basis in respect of all [EU] shipowners".
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Academic challenges ferry service tendering
Plans to allow private companies to compete to run Clyde and Hebrides ferry services came under fire at the Scottish Parliament today, as an academic queried the legal necessity for the proposals.
The Scottish Executive has said that European rules about subsidised routes (such as lifeline services serving Scottish island communities) mean that those operated by Caledonian MacBrayne must face tendering.
It has said that the Commission could launch legal proceedings against it if it does not open the routes up to tender.
However, at the end of last year, the Parliament voted against plans for opening the routes to competition, although this decision was later overturned after a series of backroom discussions.
Dr Paul Bennett of the Institute of Geography at Edinburgh University today gave evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee and argued against the need for tendering.
Regularly cited as a reason for not tendering is a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that said that essential public services can be subsidised without the necessity for tendering in certain cases.
The Executive, however, insisted on sticking to a 1992 Cabotage regulation saying that public service contracts, where operators are subsidised to run unprofitable lifeline routes, have to be conducted on "a non-discriminatory basis in respect of all [EU] shipowners".
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Thursday 23rd Jun 2005
Local Dentist Scrubs 5000 Patients From Register
Kilbirnie dentist drops NHS treatment cutting register to 1000 paying patients.
I think this situation is "despicable" and I am working to find a solution for the thousands of local residents who are now left without dental care.
I will, of course, address any comments or concerns you may have.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Kilbirnie dentist drops NHS treatment cutting register to 1000 paying patients.
I think this situation is "despicable" and I am working to find a solution for the thousands of local residents who are now left without dental care.
I will, of course, address any comments or concerns you may have.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Wednesday 20th Apr 2005
Labour Party debate policy on the voluntary sector.As the Home Office minister, Fiona Mactaggart, said:
One of the main aims of the Charities Bill is to help new and existing charities to thrive and grow. We want charities to be key players in building a generous society: encouraging people to give their time and talents, as well as their money, so that local communities and people with common interests are better equipped to deal with their own problems and can help build a better society.
The bill provides a clear definition of what 'charitable' means, laying out all the purposes that are, or ought to be, recognised as charitable. This includes, for the first time, specific mention of charitable purposes such as the advancement of human rights and the promotion of religious or racial harmony, or of equality and diversity.
Allan Wilson MSP
Cunninghame North
Monday 11th Apr 2005
Judge Sentences Spammer To Nine Years
Judge To Spammer: You've Got Nine Years
A Loudoun County Circuit Judge sentenced Jeremy Jaynes, who was
convicted of sending unsolicited emails, to nine years in prison in
the nation's first felony prosecution resulting from a spam-related
case.
However, according to ABCNews, the sentence is being delayed while
Jaynes appeals the court's ruling. The article goes on to say:
Judge Thomas Horne said that because the law targeting bulk e-mail
distribution is new and raises constitutional questions, it was
appropriate to defer the prison time until appeals courts rule.
Jaynes, who was convicted in November, was found guilty of send
massive amounts of spam, which offered bogus products. One such
product was a non-existent "FedEx refund processor."
What Say You?
Have your say.
MSP Allan Wilson
Cunninghame North
Judge To Spammer: You've Got Nine Years
A Loudoun County Circuit Judge sentenced Jeremy Jaynes, who was
convicted of sending unsolicited emails, to nine years in prison in
the nation's first felony prosecution resulting from a spam-related
case.
However, according to ABCNews, the sentence is being delayed while
Jaynes appeals the court's ruling. The article goes on to say:
Judge Thomas Horne said that because the law targeting bulk e-mail
distribution is new and raises constitutional questions, it was
appropriate to defer the prison time until appeals courts rule.
Jaynes, who was convicted in November, was found guilty of send
massive amounts of spam, which offered bogus products. One such
product was a non-existent "FedEx refund processor."
What Say You?
Have your say.
MSP Allan Wilson
Cunninghame North
Tuesday 29th Mar 2005
How has a Labour Government been good for Cunninghame North? [General] -
admin - twoodr8003@aol.com @ 03:46:37.
How has Labour been good for Cunninghame North?
In the coming months Britain is likely to go through a General Election.
Your vote will make a difference? How has your life changed under Labour?
Has a Labour Government been good for you? Your family?
What has your experience been of hospitals and doctors over the last four or eight years?
Have you seen improvements in our schools or hospitals? Have you used the A and E recently? Has it been a god or bad experience?
Do you use local buses or trains?
What do you think of the investment being put into public transport here or elsewhere?
People understandably worry about crime.
Although many people fear crime, fewer people are victims of crime today than in recent years.
What has your experience been? What are your views on Community Support Officers or local policing?
Have you used one of the area's voluntary organisations?
Many of these receive funding from local or central government.
What has your experience been? Would you like to see even more money go into these services?
Whether you work in the voluntary sector or have used voluntary organisations, we would love to hear from you.
Please share your views.
Allan Wilson MSP
In the coming months Britain is likely to go through a General Election.
Your vote will make a difference? How has your life changed under Labour?
Has a Labour Government been good for you? Your family?
What has your experience been of hospitals and doctors over the last four or eight years?
Have you seen improvements in our schools or hospitals? Have you used the A and E recently? Has it been a god or bad experience?
Do you use local buses or trains?
What do you think of the investment being put into public transport here or elsewhere?
People understandably worry about crime.
Although many people fear crime, fewer people are victims of crime today than in recent years.
What has your experience been? What are your views on Community Support Officers or local policing?
Have you used one of the area's voluntary organisations?
Many of these receive funding from local or central government.
What has your experience been? Would you like to see even more money go into these services?
Whether you work in the voluntary sector or have used voluntary organisations, we would love to hear from you.
Please share your views.
Allan Wilson MSP
Saturday 26th Mar 2005
Schools are getting text links to parents to help crackdown on truants.
A truancy alert system - which texts or calls parents whose children don't turn up to school - is to be rolled out in 160 secondary schools facing the biggest truancy problems.
Parents will have to confirm whether they are aware of the absence.
I would be interested in hearing your opinion on this and if you think such a system would be useful in Cunninghame North.
Read the full Scottish Executive announcement at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/03/23174339
A truancy alert system - which texts or calls parents whose children don't turn up to school - is to be rolled out in 160 secondary schools facing the biggest truancy problems.
Parents will have to confirm whether they are aware of the absence.
I would be interested in hearing your opinion on this and if you think such a system would be useful in Cunninghame North.
Read the full Scottish Executive announcement at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/03/23174339
A campaign to raise awareness among shop workers of the law around the sale of butane gas lighter refills and other solvents to children is being rolled out across Scotland.
The national Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) campaign builds on the success of an earlier awareness-raising campaign in Fife and follows the Lord Advocate's decision last month to revise prosecution policy to allow test purchasing of age-restricted goods by children and young people under the age of 18.
What are your views on this?
Allan Wilson MSP
The national Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) campaign builds on the success of an earlier awareness-raising campaign in Fife and follows the Lord Advocate's decision last month to revise prosecution policy to allow test purchasing of age-restricted goods by children and young people under the age of 18.
What are your views on this?
Allan Wilson MSP
The Review of NHS 24 is Underway
The review team's remit is to produce a report and recommendations for action on:
1. NHS 24 responsiveness to callers and waiting times for service users, and how these can be improved.
2. The use of call back and how it can be reduced.
3. Services for callers in remote and rural areas and how these can be improved.
4. Linkages with NHS partners including out of hours service providers, Accident & Emergency departments and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide a seamless and effective handover of patients as they move between NHS 24 and its NHS partners.
5. Availability of staff to deliver NHS 24 services by helping NHS 24 recruit and retain the staff it needs to provide the necessary service - properly developed and deployed.
6. Effectiveness of IT/telephonic infrastructure including software packages.
7. The NHS 24 estate - locations and use of.
Patients, staff and the public are invited to submit their views to the review team. You can send your comments which will be treated as confidential, by e-mailing:
nhs24reviewteam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Allan Wilson MSP
The review team's remit is to produce a report and recommendations for action on:
1. NHS 24 responsiveness to callers and waiting times for service users, and how these can be improved.
2. The use of call back and how it can be reduced.
3. Services for callers in remote and rural areas and how these can be improved.
4. Linkages with NHS partners including out of hours service providers, Accident & Emergency departments and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide a seamless and effective handover of patients as they move between NHS 24 and its NHS partners.
5. Availability of staff to deliver NHS 24 services by helping NHS 24 recruit and retain the staff it needs to provide the necessary service - properly developed and deployed.
6. Effectiveness of IT/telephonic infrastructure including software packages.
7. The NHS 24 estate - locations and use of.
Patients, staff and the public are invited to submit their views to the review team. You can send your comments which will be treated as confidential, by e-mailing:
nhs24reviewteam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Allan Wilson MSP
Monday 21st Mar 2005
I am a new viewer and I have registered and logged in.
I see that I can now post a new topic (blog) and even add a photo to it.
Hay, this is great!
I have also just discovered that the administrator of this site can edit what I say!!!!
Charles
Monday 28th Feb 2005
Welcome to my Weblog.
This is my first post.
You can make a comment to this post or others which will follow, or post your own blog by completing the forms on the "Post : Edit" screen after you register and log in.
To post a new blog, enter your blog in the "Post:" box, then click on the "Blog this !" button.
To make a comment to a post, click on the "1 Comment" link and add your comment by filling in the boxes under ":: leave a comment" at the end of the comments section.
Allan Wilson MSP
This is my first post.
You can make a comment to this post or others which will follow, or post your own blog by completing the forms on the "Post : Edit" screen after you register and log in.
To post a new blog, enter your blog in the "Post:" box, then click on the "Blog this !" button.
To make a comment to a post, click on the "1 Comment" link and add your comment by filling in the boxes under ":: leave a comment" at the end of the comments section.
Allan Wilson MSP
