Emma Harper Gives Cabinet Secretary for Health A Tour of D&G Hospitals

The Health Secretary agreed to visit Galloway Community Hospital when elected members joined in with a single request, and today Monday the 19th of Februray 2018 she visited 3 of the hospitals across Dumfries and Galloway.

Emma Harper MSP stated “I am pleased Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, accepted my invitation to come for a day long visit to Dumfries and Galloway hospitals.

The Cabinet Secretary and I  started the day off by visiting the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary then onto Newton Stewart Community Hospital and finally Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.”

Emma continued “Today’s visit had been positive and productive. I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has spent the day and made time to visit facilities in both the east and west of the region. I felt – as did Ms Robison – that it was important for her to come and speak with those working on the front line of the NHS here and see the excellent work that they do.

“Clearly there are challenges facing the Scottish Health Service and NHS in England – but there are a distinct set of challenges to be addressed in rural areas. For example, today we have discussed issues around recruitment, and heard from some of the people at the forefront of changing methods of working including delivering and adopting new models of care.

“I am In very regular contact with constituents regarding the health service in south west Scotland and will continue to work with government, the health board, and fellow MSPs representing the region for the best outcome.

“Ms Robison’s visit today will certainly be useful going forward.”

Shona Robison engaged with staff and patients to hear about some of the challenges facing the health board locally and also having the opportunity to see some of the great work carried out all the hardworking dedicated staff.