The Christie Ward

I was deeply concerned when I heard the news about the fire at the Christie Ward. Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident and I would like to take this opportunity to praise the work of the staff and fire fighters in ensuring everyone’s safety.

The incident has caused extensive damage and the ward has now been closed, however over the coming weeks and months it is essential that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde do not use this incident as a convenient excuse to close the ward forever.

We are well aware of plans in the ‘Vale Vision’ that would centralise mental health provision at Gartnavel Hospital. With the substantial NHS cuts being imposed by the SNP Government, these are difficult economic times for health boards across Scotland, and centralising services to save money will be an attractive solution. Such a move is not in the best interest of patients.

Mental health patients are best treated locally, in their own community, where the surroundings are familiar. NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde is engaged in a cost cutting exercise that will reduce the availability of crisis services at the same time as reducing the number of inpatient beds. You can’t do both at the same time without having an impact on patient care. The SNP government need to ensure that mental health services get the investment they deserve in our area.

Knife Crime

Last month in the Scottish Parliament, MSPs had an opportunity to send out a strong message to the knife carrying thugs that plague our communities, by backing Labour’s call for mandatory jail sentences for anyone caught carrying a knife.

Unfortunately the SNP and Liberal Democrats failed to back Labour and instead opted to abolish custodial sentences of less than 3 months – resulting in more criminals getting let off to return to our communities.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of knife crime. Last year 2000 people were admitted to hospital following a knife attack; it accounted for 58% of murders in Scotland in 2008/09; it costs the NHS £500 million a year and, most importantly, it wrecks lives and destroys communities.

I have heard the stories of families torn apart by knife crime, people who have lost sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. Labour has heard the voices of the 30,000 people who signed a petition for mandatory jail sentences and we will continue to fight for them.

We have pledged that next year our manifesto will include a commitment to introduce mandatory sentencing for anyone caught carrying a knife. We took early and effective action on gun crime, banning weapons and introducing a minimum sentencing. While the SNP stand on the sidelines allowing criminals to continue to plague our communities, Labour will stand on the side of victims. We will take tough action and send a very clear message - if you carry a knife, you go to jail.