Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray welcomes new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices
Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray has welcomed new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices to ensure their "fantastic" clinical staff get pay parity with those in the NHS.
The Scottish Government has recognised the 'enormous value' of clinical staff in independent hospices in North Lanarkshire - and confirmed that £5 million is being distributed to ensure pay parity with NHS staff.
The funding was announced in the Scottish Budget, with hospices now having their funding allocations confirmed so that staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales.
This will help hospices like Airdrie's St Andrew's Hospice recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals during a time of rising workforce pressures and increasing demand for palliative care services.
Mr Gray MSP said: "The independent hospices like St Andrew's provide vital support to countless families at the most difficult times in their lives.
"That's why this SNP Government is supporting hospices across North Lanarkshire in paying the staff who are so integral to providing this care.
"Hospice staff deliver incredibly skilled, compassionate care every day, and now their pay will reflect the immense value of their work."
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The NHS states there is currently no agreed treatment for this condition as the "underlying cause is not yet clear". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It should be noted that there is only a small number of ticks that carry this bacteria, meaning that being bitten by a tick doesn't definitely cause an infection. However for those who do become infected and aren't treated, they could experience more serious symptoms. This includes pain and swelling in joints, never problems such as numbness or pain in limbs, memory loss, heart problems and difficulty concentrating. If you notice you have been bitten by a tick, follow these steps to remove it safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. If you notice a rash or become unwell after being bitten by a tick, you should contact your GP. It is important that you inform them that you have been bitten.
