Travel and expenses scheme for Highlands patients

Published by Editor on May 15, 2008 in Conservative Party, Health, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Holyrood Parliament, Inverness, Islands, News, Politics, Scotland and Scottish Conservatives. 0 Comments
Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health has welcomed written answers from the Health Secretary regarding the eligibility of people in the Highlands to claim travel and accommodation costs when they have to attend hospital appointments.

Commenting Mary said;
“Several constituents have contacted me regarding what costs they can be reimbursed for when they have to attend hospital appointments and I advised them I would submit Parliamentary Questions on the subject. The answers I received from the Cabinet Secretary show that anyone in the former Highlands and Islands Development Board area with expenses greater than £10, those who have travelled more than 30 miles from their home or those who have had to take a journey by sea of more than five miles are entitled to claim under the patients’ travelling expenses schemes.
“Clearly from the number of people who have contacted me there are still people unaware of the support they may be entitled to. I am encouraged that Boards are advised to provide this information when a patients appointment or admission letter is sent out.
“The cost of travelling to hospital can be of considerable concern to patients particularly in the Highlands given the distances involved. Hopefully people will now be more aware of the schemes they can apply to and people do not have to worry about the cost of getting to and from the hospital.”
ENDS
For more information please contact Mary on 07775830480 or 0131 348 5461.
Below are the questions Mary asked and the response she received.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for payment of (a) travel and (b) accommodation costs for patients to attend hospital appointments as out-patients or in-patients.

(S3W-12511)

Ms Nicola Sturgeon:

There are currently two patients’ travelling expenses schemes A non-means tested Highlands and Islands Scheme for patients resident or working in the former Highlands and Islands Development Board area and a means tested scheme covering the rest of the country. Under the schemes eligible patients and, where considered medically necessary, their escorts, travelling to hospital for treatment, are reimbursed, either fully or partially, their travelling expenses. In addition, the cost of overnight expenses can be reimbursed if it is considered that an overnight stay is, in practice, unavoidable.

The Highlands and Islands Scheme provides for the reimbursement of travelling expenses in excess of £10. Eligible patients are those who are resident or working in the former Highlands and Islands Development Board area. The distance travelled from the patient’s home (or place of residence) to hospital must be 30 miles or more or involve a journey by sea of more than 5 miles. Patients in receipt of Income Support, Income-based Job-seekers’ Allowance, Pension Credit guarantee credit, are entitled to, or are named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or who are assessed as eligible on low income grounds, may not be required to meet any of the costs.

Eligible patients under the means tested scheme are those who are in receipt of Income Support, Income-based Job-seekers’ Allowance, Pension Credit guarantee credit, are entitled to, or are named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or who are assessed as eligible on low income grounds.

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

Index Heading: Health and Wellbeing

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that all hospital patients are aware of their eligibility for repayment of travel and accommodation costs.

(S3W-12512)

Ms Nicola Sturgeon:

Current guidance to NHS Boards draws their attention to the need to ensure information is widely available about the options available to patients for reimbursement of travelling expenses.

In particular, Boards are advised to arrange for notices providing information about the Schemes to be displayed in all patient areas and to include details of the Schemes and local transport and concessionary fares arrangements with appointment or admission letters.

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

**********************************************************************

“For latest news and information about all aspects of Parliamentary business, MSPs and our work, visit the Parliament’s website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/.

For information about how you can visit the Parliament, go to http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm.

Watch Parliamentary business live at http://www.holyrood.tv/

Mary Scanlon welcomes more neurology services at Raigmore

Published by Editor on May 15, 2008 in Badenoch, Conservative Party, Health, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Holyrood Parliament, Inverness, Islands, Nairn, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives and Strathspey. 0 Comments

Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservatives MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, has welcomed a response she has received from NHS Highland which confirms an expansion of the neurology services at Raigmore hospital.

Commenting Mary said:

“I welcome the expansion of neurology services at Raigmore hospital in Inverness, this will benefit people with epilepsy, MS, Parkinsons and other neurological problems. The setting up of the neurology services review group to make recommendations regarding future service development towards the end of the year is good news indeed.

“I am pleased that we do not have to wait until the end of the year for some change and that the additional consultant neurologist, consultant neurophysiologist and two additional specialist nurses will be recruited to cover neurology services in the Highlands.

“There is no doubt that people with epilepsy have missed out on support and reviews of their condition to ensure that the medication and advice is up to date. For many people in the Highlands they were diagnosed decades ago and have had repeat prescriptions with no specialist review of their condition.

“I am delighted that NHS Highland has now made neurology services a greater priority, this will benefit patients and families enormously.”

ENDS

Note to Editors.

The letter Mary received from NHS Highland:

Mary Gray / Epilepsy Sufferers in Highland
I write further to your letter about the visiting neurological service, the availability of support staff and routine reviews for epilepsy.
………..

NHS Highland recognised the limitations of intermittent neurologist provision from Aberdeen and the Board agreed the funding of a full time neurologist, to be based in Inverness, who was appointed in summer 2007.

This post has been complemented by the limited visiting service from Aberdeen pending a wider service development plan.

The neurology services review group to progress the latter was convened in the last quarter of 2007 and is led by our Director of Nursing, Heidi May. It reflects a recognition that all aspects of the service need to be reviewed and this will include service configuration, diagnostic services, the provision and potential contribution of specialist nurses, self help groups etc.

The group is expected to make its recommendations regarding future service development towards the end of this year. On the epilepsy front, the group includes an individual with epilepsy and a Quarriers field manager.

Due to pressures on demand for neurology services, we agreed that a business case could be submitted ahead of the final neurology review group report. We have approved a plan for an additional (second) consultant neurologist, a consultant neurophysiologist and 2 additional specialist nurses to cover neurology services including MS and epilepsy, which will be recruited in due course.

Yours sincerely

Garry Coutts
Chair - NHS Highland

For more information please contact Mary on 0131 3485460 or 07775830480

**********************************************************************

“For latest news and information about all aspects of Parliamentary business, MSPs and our work, visit the Parliament’s website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/

For information about how you can visit the Parliament, go to http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/index.htm.

Watch Parliamentary business live at http://www.holyrood.tv/

Conservative Party on a roll as they sweep up local governments seats in the local elections South of the Border

Published by Editor on May 7, 2008 in Conservative Association, Conservative Party, News, Politics and United Kingdom. 0 Comments

Shell shocked Prime Minister Gordon Brown now has a mountain to climb if he really wants to continue in power at Number Ten.

Labour Party elected MP’s must be worried about respective job protection and are likely to cause considerable problems for Gordon Brown, particularly from the back benches says Jim Ferguson, Conservative Party Candidate for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey

Opinion seems to be that some 100 Labour Party MP’s could lose their seats at the next General Election if the swing to Conservatives continues.

Boris caps a week of success for the Conservative Party by ending Ken Livingstone’s eight-year reign at City Hall.

Conservative Party back in Government in London as huge swing to Conservatives in Local Government elections across the country sends clear message to Gordon Brown - “enough is enough”.

His win gives the Conservatives a massive opportunity to prove to the electorate they have the ability to govern effectively before the next general election expected in two years time.

Boris is the new Mayor of London

Boris Johnson has been elected Mayor of London. He received 1,168,738 first and second preference votes compared with Ken Livingstone’s 1,028,966.

In his victory speech, he said the election had been good for politics and good for London.

He paid tribute to his main opponents, Brian Paddick and Mr. Livingstone, describing the latter as “a very considerable public servant” who had “earned the thanks and admiration of millions of Londoners.”

Boris promised to work “flat out” to cut crime, improve transport, protect green spaces, and most of all repay the confidence of everyone who voted for him.

He finished by saying, “Let’s get cracking tomorrow; and let’s have a drink tonight.”

Boris wins - exclusive David reaction video:

23:57, Friday 2nd May at Conservative Campaign HQ, Westminster. Boris is elected as Mayor of London with 1,168,738 first and second preference votes. Watch my reaction in this exclusive video.

Link to video

Boris Johnson MP

Member of Parliament for Henley

About Boris

Photograph

Boris Johnson was born in 1964 in New York, he was educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford where he was President of the Union.

After being a trainee reporter with The Times and The Wolverhampton Express and Star he joined the Daily Telegraph in 1987, serving successively as a leader and feature writer, European Community correspondent and Assistant Editor. From 1999 to 2005, he was Editor of The Spectator.
Boris ’s Experience

Boris fought Clwyd South in the 1997 General Election and is well-known as a writer and broadcaster. He was elected to represent Henley at the 2001 General Election.

He has previously served as a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party and as Shadow Minister for the Arts. From December 2005 to July 2007, he was a Shadow Minister for Higher Education.

Boris the Conservative candidate for London Mayor - read his biography on the London site.

Contact Boris:Email: johnsonb@parliament.uk

Telephone: 01491 612852
Fax: 01491 612001
Website: http://www.boris-johnson.com
Postal Address: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Alcohol report highlights need for earlier intervention

Published by Editor on April 30, 2008 in Alcohol, Badenoch, Conservative Association, Conservative Party, Health, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Inverness, Islands, Nairn, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives, Strathspey and United Kingdom. 0 Comments

Commenting on the publication of the Quality Improvement Scotland Report entitled “Understanding Alcohol Misuse in Scotland“, Mary Scanlon MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said:

“There are some shocking statistics in this report. Alcohol consumption has increased by 23% in the past ten years, and this has led to much greater regular underage drinking. Particularly harrowing is the revelation that 15% of young people admitted to A&E during a five-week survey were aged 12 or under, and some were as young as 8.

“High alcohol consumption by young people can become chronic alcohol addiction when they’re older. In some cases, the underlying problem is mental health such as depression. Early intervention is the best way forward in terms of addressing the problem, making sure that young people in need of help are given relevant information about support services and are helped to face up to and tackle their alcohol consumption.

“Scottish Conservatives welcome this report and hope that it will present an opportunity for the Scottish Government to thoroughly address the problems alcohol can cause for young people. “

Ends

Mary Scanlon MSP launches campaign to save rural payphones

Published by Editor on April 30, 2008 in Badenoch, Conservative Association, Conservative Party, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Inverness, Islands, Nairn, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives, Strathspey, Telephones and United Kingdom. 1 Comment

Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Mary Scanlon, is urging residents to fight to save rural telephone boxes. Her call comes on the back of the announcement by BT that they are consulting on plans to close an incredible 194 phone boxes across the Highland council area.

Mary has contacted BT representatives and made it clear that she is opposed to the removal of payphones in rural Highland communities. At the beginning of April BT wrote to Highland Council to inform them that they are reviewing the viability of 194 public telephone boxes across the constituency.

Mary is concerned about the impact that the closure of even more phone boxes may have on communities in the Highlands, particularly in those areas where there is patchy mobile phone reception.

Mary said:

“If we are to save these local pay phones we need to kick up a fuss. That is why I am launching a local campaign to ‘Save Our Phone Boxes’ and urging local people to make their voice heard. My fear is that rural communities across the Highlands will be the ones which will suffer the most.

“The removal of public telephone boxes could have serious repercussions for rural and coastal communities. In an emergency situation they could make the difference between life and death. It is therefore absolutely essential that those people living in areas where they do not receive any mobile phone reception have access to a public telephone.

“I admit that many more people today have mobile phones than in the past, but all over the Highlands there are areas where the reception can be patchy at times and that is when a phone box can be crucial. Also we are trying to encourage tourism in the area therefore if we have foreign visitors who do not have mobiles which are compatible in this country we are removing a service they need.

“Highland Council will run the consultation, and so local constituents should respond directly to them rather than BT. The planning dept at the Council will then collate all responses and draw conclusions as to how they wish to respond and I will be making representations to ask for them to say no to the closure of phone boxes across the Highlands. Under Ofcom guidelines they are obliged to publish their intended response in the community before coming back to BT, thereby ensuring that the community is aware of the decisions reached.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Mary on 07775830480 or 0131 3485460

BT Payphones,
PP 05A23,
Delta Point,
Wellesley Road,
CROYDON,
CR9 2YZ.

To:
Chief Planning Officer
Mr Ken McCoquodale
Policy Officer
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX

2 April 2008

TIME SENSITIVE - 90 Day Consultation period end date: 02 July 2008

Dear Chief Planning Officer

BT’s proposal to re-align payphone provision to meet consumer demand.

As part of BT’s Universal Service Obligation it is required to provide adequate coverage of public payphones. In recent years the needs of consumers have changed drastically with the increase in mobile phone ownership leading to a complete change in the communications culture throughout the UK - the number of calls made from BT payphones has more than halved in the last three years. Ninety nine per cent of UK homes now have a phone at home and 85 per cent have a mobile phone. There are currently 61,792 public payphones in Great Britain and 60% of these no longer cover their costs.

Striking a balance between the growing commercial pressures and providing an effective payphone service is vital, and BT has managed to keep its payphone business viable by careful management of costs. However, this challenge is becoming ever more demanding, so BT constantly needs to review payphone usage and on occasions looks to re-align the public payphone provision more closely to the reducing demand that still exists.

On the 14th March 2006 the Office of Communications (Ofcom) published a statement following their 2005 review of universal service in the Telecommunications market. Part of that statement (which can be viewed at www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/uso/uso_statement/) amended BT’s obligations with regard to the removal of payphone service.

In compliance with those revised obligations BT is writing to you as part of a formal consultation process regarding BT’s current programme of proposed public payphone removals.

One of the changes introduced following the review is that there is no longer a requirement for BT to consult on the removal of a public payphone which has another payphone within 400m. Out of courtesy we are advising you that there are a number of these payphones within Highland which we will be addressing over the forthcoming months. Additionally there are currently 194 public payphones which are little used by consumers and are therefore proposed by BT for removal under full consultation. Details of these boxes are shown on the enclosed sheets which include telephone number and address on a box by box basis.

This letter formally starts our consultation with you and the local community on these proposals. BT will place consultation notices in the relevant kiosks over the next three weeks to ensure that the local community are fully informed.

What you need to do next

The enclosed list details the payphones which BT wishes to consult on within Highland.

Part of Ofcom’s review in 2005 states that it is the responsibility of the local authority to initiate its own consultation process to canvas the views of the local community, and that they would normally expect these consultations to involve other public organisations such as the parish or community councils.

Notifications of your final decision should include all justifications as BT may wish to challenge any unreasonable objections within the provisions of the appeals process.

Full guidance on the removal process can be viewed at this URL

A plain English version is available here

The consultation period will close on 7/2/2008 and responses received after this date will not be accepted. Please allow at least two days for postal delivery, and kindly note that proof of postage may be required in instances of dispute. If you are responding by email, please retain proof of despatch or apply a read receipt. Payphones will normally be removed as soon as practicable after the consultation period has ended.

We recognise that there may be concerns about our plans and that you may wish to discuss the content of this notification. Should your comments relate to a particular phone box, please clearly show the telephone number of the kiosk on your correspondence. This will ensure that we are able to deal with your enquiry efficiently.

All correspondence should be addressed to us at BT Payphones, PP 05A23, Delta Point, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2YZ or via email to btp.authorisation.team@bt.com. Please note that all responses should be collated and channelled via a single point of contact for your authority.

Yours sincerely,

RICK THOMPSON
Project Liaison Office, BT Payphones

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01309651207 Public Call Office, Dava, Grantown On Spey PH26 3PU
01309651208 Post Off, Glenferness, Nairn IV12 5UP
01320340240 1pco, Glenmoriston, Inverness IV63 7YJ
01320351213 Pco, Glenmoriston, Inverness IV3 6YA
01320366219 Pco, Jenkins Park, Fort Augustus PH32 4BP
01320366282 1pco, Fort Augustus PH32 4BH
01349861211 1pco, Amenities Centre, Seaforth Place, Maryburgh, Dingwall IV7 8DR
01349861305 Tollie Of Brahan, Lochussie, Dingwall IV7 8HQ
01349861351 1pco, Alcaig, Dingwall IV7 8HS
01349861395 1pco, Leanaig, Conon Bridge, Dingwall IV7 8DN
01349861439 1pco, Knockfarrel, Dingwall IV15 9TQ
01349877200 Pco, Culbokie, Dingwall IV7 8JH
01349882219 1pco, Ardross, Alness IV17 0XW
01349882297 1pco, Ardross, Alness IV17 0YG
01381610262 1pco, Balblair, Dingwall IV7 8LL
01381620280 Public Call Office, Killen, Avoch IV9 8RQ

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01397702247 1pco, Blarmafoldach, Fort William PH33 6SZ
01397712269 1pco, Bohuntin, Roy Bridge PH31 4AH
01397722239 Pco1, A830, Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire PH37 4LT
01397722243 Oakbank, Kinlocheil, Fort William PH33 7NP
01397732239 1pco, Murlaggan, Roy Bridge PH31 4AP
01397772273 1pco, Blaich, Blaich, Fort William PH33 7AN
01397772370 1pco, Crown Cottages, Banavie, Fort William PH33 7LU
01397772695 1pco, Treslaig, Fort William PH33 7AJ
01408621256 1pco, Muirfield Rd, Brora KW9 6QY
01408622336 Pco, Gower St, Brora KW9 6PD
01408633161 1pco, Golspie KW10 6SE
01408633249 Post Off, Main St, Golspie KW10 6RA
01408641260 Pco Sheepmarket, Rogart IV28 3XA
01408641277 1pco, Rhilochan, Rogart IV28 3YF
01431821200 1pco, Bridgend, Helmsdale, Sutherland KW8 6JB
01431821241 1pco, Portgower, Portgower, Helmsdale KW8 6HL

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01431821282 1pco, Simpson Crescent, Helmsdale KW8 6LE
01445712112 1pco, Pier Rd, Gairloch IV21 2BQ
01445712491 1pco, Big Sand, Gairloch IV21 2DD
01445720200 1pco, Achnasheen IV22 2EE
01445731213 1pco, Mellon Charles, Achnasheen IV22 2JL
01445731223 1pco, Gruinard, Achnasheen IV22 2NQ
01445731255 Pco, Aultbea, Achnasheen IV22 2JA
01445731380 N A T O Pol Depot, Aultbea, Aultbea, Achnasheen IV22 2HU
01445741249 Post Office, Opinan, Opinan, Gairloch IV21 2AT
01445741261 1pco, Port Henderson, Port Henderson, Gairloch IV21 2AS
01445781220 1pco, Cove, Achnasheen IV22 2LT
01445781265 Post Office, Poolewe, Achnasheen IV22 2JU
01445781277 1pco, Coast, Poolewe, Achnasheen IV22 2LR
01445790219 1pco, Diabaig, Torridon, Achnasheen IV22 2HE
01445791224 1pco, Annat, Achnasheen IV22 2EU
01445791225 Nr Post Office Alligin, Wester Alligin, Achnasheen IV22 2HD

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01445791230 1pco, Torridon, Achnasheen IV22 2EZ
01456450283 1pco, Glen Urquhart, Inverness IV63 6TW
01456486248 1pco, Riverside, Foyers, Inverness IV2 6YH
01463731213 Pco, Kilmuir, Inverness IV1 3ZG
01463731241 1pco, Charleston, Inverness IV1 3YA
01463741211 1pco, Kiltarlity, Beauly IV4 7JR
01463751242 1pco, Torness, Inverness IV2 6TZ
01463772200 1pco, Daviot, Inverness IV2 5XQ
01463782279 Pco, Beauly IV4 7AZ
01463782471 1pco, Kiltarlity, Beauly IV4 7JP
01463870428 1pco, Redcastle, Muir Of Ord IV6 7SQ
01463870429 Pco, Kilcoy, Muir Of Ord, Ross Shire IV6 7SF
01463870489 1pco, Corry, Muir Of Ord IV6 7TN
01520722334 Pco1, Ardaneaskan, Lochcarron, Strathcarron, Ross Shire IV54 8YL
01520733244 Pco, Kishorn, Strathcarron IV54 8XA
01520744254 1pco, Applecross, Strathcarron, Ross Shire IV54 8LY

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01520755234 Pco, Kenmore, Shieldaig, Strathcarron IV54 8XH
01520755254 Nurses House, Shieldaig, Strathcarron IV54 8XN
01520766265 Pco, Strathcarron IV54 8YU
01528544246 1pco, Laggan, Newtonmore PH20 1BT
01528544247 1pco, Newtonmore PH20 1BS
01540661428 1pco, Insh, Kingussie PH21 1NT
01549402105 1pco, Lairg IV27 4AZ
01549402418 1pco, Lairg IV27 4EX
01549411242 1pco, Lairg Rd, Altnaharra, Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4UE
01549421210 Pco, Ardgay IV24 3DP
01549421252 1pco, Invershin, Lairg IV27 4ET
01549421253 1pco, Invershin, Lairg IV27 4ET
01549431209 1pco, Achfary, Lairg IV27 4NZ
01549441209 1pco, Rosehall, Lairg IV27 4BD
01571822201 1pco, Inchnadamph, Elphin, Lairg IV27 4HL
01571833233 1pco, Nedd, Drumbeg, Lairg IV27 4NN

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01571833239 Pco, Drumbeg, Lairg IV27 4NW
01571844216 1pco, Inverkirkaig, Lochinver, Lairg IV27 4LR
01571844218 1pco, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Lairg IV27 4JB
01571844389 1pco, Inver Park, Lochinver, Lairg IV27 4LN
01571855200 Pco, Stoer Lochinver, Lairg IV27 4JE
01571855278 1pco, Clashnessie, Lairg IV27 4JF
01593721218 1pco, Main St, Lybster KW3 6AE
01593721245 Post Office, Occumster, Lybster KW3 6AU
01593731200 1pco, Dunbeath KW6 6EA
01593731219 1pco, Dunbeath KW6 6EN
01593741211 1pco, Latheronwheel, Latheron KW5 6DW
01593741212 1pco, Latheron KW5 6DG
01593751269 1pco, Berriedale KW7 6HD
01599511261 1pco, Inverinate, Kyle IV40 8HB
01599522223 1pco, Kirkton Glenelg, Kyle IV40 8JR
01599522275 Glenmore, Kirkton Glenelg, Kyle IV40 8JR

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01599522282 Post Office, Arnisdale, Kyle IV40 8JJ
01599534559 The Pier, Kyleakin, Isle Of Skye IV41 8PL
01599534568 Pco, Erbusaig, Kyle IV40 8BB
01599555200 1pco, Lower Ardelve, Dornie, Kyle, Ross Shire IV40 8EY
01599555247 Pco1, Kyle IV40 8EQ
01599577247 1pco, Achmore, Strome Ferry IV53 8UU
01599577249 1pco, Strome Ferry IV53 8UJ
01599588276 Post Office, Killilan, Kyle IV40 8EB
01641521209 1pco, Kirtomy, Bettyhill, Thurso KW14 7TB
01641531235 Post Off, Melvich, Thurso KW14 7YJ
01641541221 Pco, Lednagullin, Armadale, Thurso KW14 7SA
01641541227 1pco, Strathy, Thurso KW14 7RZ
01667453036 Pco, Househill Terrace, Nairn IV12 5AS
01667453039 Public Call Office, Fraser Park, Nairn IV12 4RY
01667462232 Pco Gollanfield, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7QP
01667462284 Pco, Married Quarters, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7QB

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01667493200 Pco, Croy, Inverness IV2 5PG
01687450218 1pco, Arisaig PH39 4NH
01687450231 Pco, Achnaskiach, Arisaig PH39 4NS
01687462289 Pco, Inverie, Knoydart, Mallaig PH41 4PL
01808521214 1pco, Gorthleck, Inverness IV2 6YS
01809501228 1pco, Invergarry PH35 4HG
01809501268 1pco, Invergarry PH35 4HN
01847601229 Outside Burrs Shop, Talmine, Lairg IV27 4YT
01847601254 1pco Lubinvoulin, Talmine, Lairg IV27 4YT
01847611228 Pco, Coldbackie, Lairg IV27 4XP
01847811200 Pco, Reay, Thurso KW14 7RE
01847821200 1pco, Main St, Castletown, Thurso KW14 8TU
01847831200 1pco, Crescent St, Halkirk KW12 6XN
01847831606 Public Call Office, Bridge St, Halkirk KW12 6XY
01847841246 Post Office, Spittal, Wick KW1 5XR
01847841249 1pco, Westerdale, Halkirk KW12 6UP

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01847851211 Post Office, Dunnet, Thurso KW14 8XD
01847851258 Post Office, Mey, Thurso KW14 8XH
01847871219 Post Office, Westfield, Thurso KW14 7QN
01847892068 Pco, Provost Sinclair Rd, Thurso KW14 7AS
01847892465 Post Office, Janetstown, Thurso KW14 7XF
01847892991 Pennyland Service Stn, Thurso KW14 7JU
01847893118 1pco, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8JP
01847893379 1pco, St Magnus Rd, Thurso KW14 7LX
01847895780 Pco, Railway Station, Station Square, Thurso KW14 7DL
01854612645 1pco, Ardmair, Ullapool IV26 2TN
01854613086 1pco, Morefield, Morefield, Ullapool IV26 2TR
01854622264 1pco, Altandhu, Ullapool IV26 2YR
01854622286 1pco, Achiltibuie, Ullapool IV26 2YG
01854633200 1pco, Dundonnell, Garve IV23 2QW
01854633210 1pco, Badralloch, Dundonnell, Garve, Ross Shire IV23 9ZP
01854633216 1pco, Dundonnell, Garve IV23 2RE

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01854633220 1pco, Badcaul, Garve IV23 2QY
01854655218 1pco, Lochbroom, Garve IV23 2RG
01854655241 1pco, Ardindrean, Garve IV23 2SE
01854655263 1pco, Lochbroom, Garve IV23 2RS
01854666200 Public Call Office, Strathkanaird Layby, Strathkanaird, Ullapool IV26 2TP
01854666244 1pco, Elphin, Lairg IV27 4HH
01855841220 Telephone Exchange, Ardgour, Fort William PH33 7AB
01855841232 1pco, Pier, Ardgour, Fort William, Inverness Shire PH33 7AA
01855841242 1pco, Inversanda, Ardgour, Fort William, Inverness Shire PH33 7AD
01862810437 1pco, Camore, Dornoch IV25 3HT
01862871224 1pco, Rockfield, Tain IV20 1RF
01863755313 1pco, Craig, Lairg, Ross Shire IV24 3BG
01863766200 1pco, Ardgay IV24 3DH
01863766260 1pco, Lairg Rd, Bonar Bridge, Ardgay IV24 3EA
01955602712 Pco, Harrowhill, Wick KW1 5BW
01955602943 1pco, Reiss, Wick KW1 4RR

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01955603109 Pco, Pilot Row, Papigoe, Wick KW1 4RA
01955603137 1pco, Haster, Wick, Caithness KW1 5SX
01955611218 1pco, Gills, Canisbay, Wick KW1 4YB
01955611231 1pco, Huna, Wick KW1 4YL
01955611409 1pco, John O Groats, Wick KW1 4YR
01955621200 1pco, Watten, Wick KW1 5YJ
01955621252 1pco, Watten, Wick KW1 5UW
01955631250 1pco, Auckengill, Wick KW1 4XP
01955641222 Pco, Auchorn Square, Bower, Wick KW1 4TN
01955641255 Pco, Kirk, Wick KW1 4TR
01955651229 Pco, Ulbster, Lybster KW2 6AA
01955661232 Pco, Gillock, Wick KW1 5UR
01967402020 Telephone Exchange, Strontian, Acharacle PH36 4HZ
01967402390 1pco, Strontian, Acharacle PH36 4JB
01967402416 Pco, Forestry Houses, Polloch, Glenfinnan, Inverness Shire PH37 4LX
01967431242 1pco, Newton Cross Rds, Newton, Acharacle PH36 4LB

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01967431267 1pco, Salen, Acharacle PH36 4JN
01967431678 1pco, Kinlochmoidart, Lochailort PH38 4ND
01971500210 1pco, Achfary, Lairg IV27 4PQ
01971502219 1pco, Kylesku, Lairg IV27 4HW
01971511200 Pco, Balvoolich, Lairg IV27 4PW
01971511229 1pco, Lairg IV27 4UL
01971511239 1pco, Smoo Durness, Lairg IV27 4QA
01971511285 Pco, Laid, Lairg IV27 4UN
01971511374 Pco, Sangomore, Lairg IV27 4PZ
01971521270 1pco, Rhiconich, Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4RN
01971521277 1pco, Kinlochbervie, Lairg IV27 4RP
01972500237 1pco, Glenborrodale, Acharacle PH36 4JP
01972510223 Pco1, 1pco, Kilchoan, Acharacle PH36 4LH
01972510255 1pco, Kilchoan, Acharacle PH36 4LN
01972510273 1pco, Achateny, Acharacle PH36 4LG
01997421420 1pco, Strathpeffer IV14 9AA

Highland

Telephone Number Address Post Code Agree/ Object Comments/Reasons
01997455200 Aultguish Inn, Garve, Ross Shire IV23 2PQ
01997466245 1pco, Strathconon, Muir Of Ord IV6 7QG

Signature: ………………………………………..

Area: Highland
Job Title: ……………………………………..

Please return this to:
BT Payphones, PP 05A23, Delta Point, Wellesley Road, CROYDON, CR9 2YZ
by 02 July 2008

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Conservative Association

Published by Editor on April 23, 2008 in Badenoch, Conservative Association, Conservative Party, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Inverness, Nairn, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives, Strathspey and United Kingdom. 0 Comments

200 Club Draw held three time a year.

If you wish to enter the Draw please contact Inbs Conservatives at Ardconnel Terrace Street:
Please Click For Office Location Map

Email Address: office@inverness.tory.org.uk
Web Site: http://www.inbsconservatives.org.uk/
Address: 37 Ardconnel Terrace
Inverness
IV2 3AE
Phone: 01463 233986
Fax: 01463 714674

Winners of the last draw held on 4th April 2008:

Wilma Imla - £200
S D McDonald £100
Margaret Thomson - £50

**********************************

General news:

A very successful Cheese and Wine event was held on
28th March at Dulnain Bridge.
Mary Scanlon MSP and Jim Ferguson PPC in attendance.

Many thanks to all those who turned out in support.

**************************************

Next Committe Meeting to be held:

12.30pm on Friday 9th May, 2008

************************************************************

Labour Government Hit Lower Paid With Latest Tax Changes

Published by Editor on April 22, 2008 in Conservative Party, Financial, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives, Taxation and United Kingdom. 0 Comments

ON 6 APRIL, LABOUR INCREASED TAX ON SOME OF THE LOWEST-PAID WORKERS.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT 5.3 MILLION FAMILIES WILL LOSE OUT.

ONE IN FIVE FAMILIES WILL BE WORSE OFF - BY ANYTHING UP TO £464.

**********************************************

Nursery Nurses will pay £154 more per year. Bar Staff will pay £67 more. Catering Assistants will pay £161 more. Retail Cashiers will pay £185 more. Sales Assistants will pay £227 more. Library Clerks will pay £203 more. Hairdressers will pay £198 more. Receptionists will pay £167 more. Home Carers will pay £157 more. School Secretaries will pay £140 more. Cleaners will pay £45 more. Cooks will pay £136 more. Dental Nurses will pay £132 more. Typists will pay £110 more. Call Centre Operators will pay £103 more. Bakers will pay £89 more. Florists will pay £79 more. Caretakers will pay £78 more. Veterinary Nurses will pay £128 more. Farm Workers will pay £75 more. Legal Secretaries will pay £71 more. Hospital Porters will pay £56 more. Van Drivers will pay £51 more. Road Sweepers will pay £49 more. Pub Managers will pay £48 more. Security Guards will pay £21 more. will pay £89 more.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU BE HIT BY GORDON BROWN’S 10p TAX CON?

(Based on the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2007)

Promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party both of 30 Millbank, London SW1P 4DP & printed by TPF Group, Avro House, Harlequin Avenue, Brentford TW8 9EW.

MY MONEY IN SAFE HANDS
KEEP THE COST OF LIVING DOWN AND PUT STABILITY FIRST
YOU CAN GET IT IF YOU REALLY WANT
JOIN US AT CONSERVATIVES.COM

Labour have over-spent and over-borrowed, and as a result the public finances are in a mess. That is why Gordon Brown is putting up taxes, and kicking people when they are down.

The Conservatives have specific proposals to help hard-working families:

* We will oppose Labour’s plans to double the 10p tax rate.

* We will use direct democracy to control council tax bills.

* We will give power to the people, through local referendums, to stop large council tax rises.

* We will raise the threshold for inheritance tax, taking 98 per cent of family homes out of it altogether.

* We will abolish stamp duty, the tax on house purchases, for 9 out of 10 first-time buyers, helping people get onto the housing ladder

* We will end the couple penalty in the tax credits system. Taxes and benefits should encourage families to stay together, but the current system actually pays couples to live apart.

* We will reform the administration of tax credits to make the system simpler and fairer.

* We will help people into jobs and cut benefits for those who won’t work.

JOIN US AT CONSERVATIVES.COM

Tory MSP keeps up pressure on nuisance high hedges

Published by Editor on April 17, 2008 in Conservative Party, Environment, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Holyrood Parliament, Islands, News, Politics, Property, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives and United Kingdom. 0 Comments

Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands has welcomed the possibility of the review on anti-social behaviour dealing with disputes over high hedges.

Since 1999 many people in the Highlands and Islands have raised concerns about hedges often over 40-feet high, imposing on houses and gardens, impairing views and preventing most plants from growing under the trees significant canopy.

"High hedges would not be the first thing people associate with antisocial behaviour, but it is a serious concern which is why I am optimistic by the response from the Minister. The answer I have received says that the Government will publish their review of its anti-social behaviour strategy by the end of this year and the Minister has said as part of this review they will explore options, including the introduction of legislation, as a means of last resort to resolve disputes of high hedges should the current services provided by Community safety Partnerships such as mediation fail."

Below are the two most recent Parliamentary questions Mary has submitted and the response they received:

S3W-11399 - Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con) (Date Lodged Thursday, March 27, 2008): To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of its antisocial behaviour strategy will be completed and whether the nuisance caused by high hedges will be addressed in the review.

Answered by Fergus Ewing (Tuesday, April 08, 2008):
As part of the review we will be considering the use, effectiveness and range of existing measures available to local agencies to tackle unacceptable behaviour, including services relevant to high hedge disputes, such as mediation. We intend to publish the findings of the review by the end of 2008.

Additionally, the Scottish Government is exploring options, including legislative ones, for supporting a means of last resort for resolving disputes about high hedges. This will be done in parallel to the national antisocial behaviour review. In doing so, we will bear in mind consultation on the issue by the previous administration, the provisions in place in England and Wales, and Scott Barrie’s bill, which fell at dissolution of the last session of the Parliament

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it can give to householders affected by 40-feet high trees or hedges close to their homes.

Mr Fergus Ewing:

Services already provided by Community Safety Partnerships, such as mediation, can be very effective in dealing with a range of neighbour disputes, including those about high hedges.

However, the Scottish Government is giving active consideration to how best it could support the provision of a suitable means of last resort for resolving cases in which all other measures have been exhausted.

For more information please contact Mary on 0131 3485460 or 07775830480

Mary Scanlon calls for action for Scottish Highlands epilepsy sufferers

Published by Editor on April 17, 2008 in Conservative Party, Health, Highlands, Highlands & Islands, Holyrood Parliament, News, Politics, Scotland, Scottish Conservatives and United Kingdom. 1 Comment

Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health once again raises awareness of epilepsy sufferers in the Highlands in Parliament.

Mary said "Progress has been made in The Highlands with a permanent consultant in neurology and one specialist nurse, but there is still a long way to go."

She called for wider implementation of SIGN guidelines for people with epilepsy stating that children should have access to specialist epilepsy services, individual management plans and dedicated clinics. Adult support services for people with Epilepsy in the Highlands also need to be improved

Mary highlighted constituents in the Highlands who had been diagnosed with Epilepsy over 30 years ago had never seen a neurologist and were unaware of what they should expect from local NHS.

Commenting after the debate Mary said “the Minister did give a commitment that once the standards have been developed, local services will be assessed against them.” This is definitely a positive statement for anyone diagnosed with epilepsy. Hopefully better monitoring will ensure better treatment for epilepsy sufferers from the Highlands.

For more information please contact Mary Scanlon on 07775830480 or 0131 3485460

The official report of the Holyrood speech Mary delivered last night.

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): I, too, thank Hugh O’Donnell for the opportunity to debate issues relating to epilepsy. I also thank Alasdair Allan for giving us his first-hand experience—it is always helpful to get that. I associate my party with Hugh O’Donnell’s comments on the work of Epilepsy Scotland, particularly that of Allana Parker. Hugh O’Donnell highlighted specialist epilepsy nurses. I understand that there are 21 such nurses in Scotland. The situation is probably better than it has ever been, but there is a long way to go before we meet the recommendation from the Joint Epilepsy Council for 50 specialist epilepsy nurses.

Some years ago, I helped to set up a support group for people with epilepsy in the Highlands. Unfortunately, the group folded, but people with epilepsy are now coming forward and are determined to set up another group. When we started the group, a neurologist from Aberdeen visited Raigmore hospital two or three days a month, but there is now a permanent neurologist there. At that time, there was no specialist epilepsy nurse, but we now have one for children, mainly for those who also have a learning disability. Progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go.

When I was told that I was speaking in the debate—which I am delighted to do—I thought about where to start and what patients should expect. People come to my surgery and say that no services are available, so I thought to look at the SIGN guidelines to find out what patients should expect. I began by looking at SIGN guideline 81, on children with epilepsy. I noted that

"Children with epilepsy should have access to specialist epilepsy services, including dedicated young people and transition clinics".

I also found that
"Each child should have an individual management plan agreed with the family and primary care team"
and that an
"Annual review is suggested as a minimum, even for children with well controlled epilepsy".
Guideline 81 also states:
"All children with epilepsy should have their behavioural and academic progress reviewed on a regular basis",
and that
"Epilepsy awareness training and written information should be offered to schools."
That sounds good—I see that Mr O’Donnell is impressed.
Guideline 81 states a lot more, but I want to know who audits the guidelines. Who audits whether health boards choose to implement them partially or fully, or to ignore them and leave them to gather dust?

It is all very well stating that children should have access to specialist epilepsy services but do parents know that? Or general practitioners? How can politicians know whether the services are even barely adequate if the SIGN guidelines are not monitored? Perhaps the minister can answer that in her summing up. I would be interested to know which health boards have complied.

I moved on to SIGN guideline 70 on "Diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults". I assume that diagnosis is done correctly, but I was looking more at the management of epilepsy. I noticed that SIGN 70 says:

"A structured management system for epilepsy should be established"
It goes on to say that
"an annual review is desirable"
and that the shared care management system should seek to carry out certain things. It also says that advice on contraception should be given.

Many of the epilepsy sufferers whom I know in Inverness got their diagnoses from GPs 30 years ago and have been getting repeat prescriptions ever since. They have never seen a neurologist, know nothing about SIGN guidelines and have had none of what is recommended in the guidelines. There is little in SIGN guideline 70 to highlight exactly what patients can expect. It is all very well saying what should be given, but that means nothing. What on-going reviews, monitoring of care, and new drugs and the opportunity to access them can a patient expect? Where is the clear guideline that would allow patients the opportunity to see what they should expect in management of their condition?

House of Lords Report Blows Labour Government Migration Strategy Apart

Published by Editor on April 4, 2008 in Conservative Party, European, Financial, House of Commons, House of Lords, Politics, Scottish Conservatives, United Kingdom and World. 1 Comment

 Daily Express report below:

Labour must cap immigration after its myths on the benefits of an open door policy were torn to shreds by a powerful group of peers yesterday. In a devastating attack, a House of Lords inquiry said there was no economic benefit from migration.
The point-by-point onslaught also laid bare the arguments which ministers have used for allowing record numbers to come here. The report called on the Government to now impose a limit on numbers after concluding that migrants themselves were the “biggest winners” of current policy.

One peer, an economist, warned that Britain will face pressure from migrants wanting to come here for the next 50 years at least.

The report also dismissed claims that migrants are needed to fill jobs and support the growing demand for pensions. It further warned that the in-flow could be forcing up unemployment among young Britons and pushing down wages. Campaign­ers who have long called for an annual limit on migration said the report was a “watershed” and Labour’s defence for its stance has been demolished.

In a crushing conclusion, inquiry chairman Lord Wakeham said: “The argument put forward by the Government that large-scale net immigration brings significant economic benefits is unconvincing. We have found no evidence to support their position.”

The report, from the Lords cross-party Economic Affairs Committee, said net immigration, which has added 1.5 million extra people in the past decade, has been “unprecedented in our history”.

Migrants now account for 12 per cent – or one in eight – of the total workforce.

The Government has continually defended its policy by arguing that mass migration brings economic benefits which outweigh any social impact.

The destruction of that defence not only leaves Labour’s policies in tatters, but means the negative pressure they have had on communities is all the greater.

More alarming, Lord Layard, a leading economist and committee member, warned: “We will have permanent pressure of people to move in our direction. Britain has an extra resource, which is the English language, for attracting people here.

“There is no doubt whatever that the pressure will remain for half a century or more.” As a result, the peers said ministers should impose an “explicit target range” for immigration and set the rules to keep within that limit.

It would effectively mean a cap on those wanting to come from outside the EU. Net migration is running at 190,000 a year after a peak of 300,000 in 2006.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: “This report is a welcome contribution to our huge immigration shake-up, and we are already acting on practically every single recommendation.

“It proves we were right to set up the independent Migration Advisory Committee to tell us which workers our new Australian-style points system should keep out or let in.

“We’re glad to see the committee welcome the system as well as our ban on low-skilled migration from outside Europe.

“What’s more, our plan for earned citizenship will mean that only those who can speak English, pay taxes and obey Parliament’s law will be able to earn the right to stay. This is something the committee recommended.

“Our points system will be enforced by a new Border Agency to give the UK world-leading border protection and bring back systems to count foreign nationals in and out of Britain.”

Link to another Daily Mail article HERE