Latest news with #MartinMcCluskey
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Soaring numbers of Inverclyde kids going to A&E for emergency dental treatment
SHOCKING new figures show the number of children in Inverclyde needing emergency treatment for tooth decay has soared. The statistics, released through freedom of information legislation, show the number of patients under 18 attending both Inverclyde Royal and the Royal Hospital for Children has doubled in the last five years. Health board figures also show that in total 133 men, women and children attended Inverclyde Royal for dental care over that period of time. Across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, there was a huge 109 per cent increase in hospital attendances for emergency dental treatment - and nearly a third of all visits to A&E for issues relating to tooth decay were by children. The figures underline the crisis in NHS dental provision in Inverclyde, with increasing numbers of local residents forced to travel miles to find an NHS dentist as local practices shut down or close their NHS lists to new patients. Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey says he fears the new figures are only 'the tip of the iceberg'. (Image: George Munro) In response to the local crisis, which saw Inverclyde labelled a 'dental desert', funding was made available to encourage practices to open up in the area. Plans for a new practice in the Waterfront Retail Park were approved by Inverclyde Council earlier this year, but Mr McCluskey says he believes the crisis in local NHS dentistry is undermining years of efforts to improve children's teeth. Following his FOI request, Mr McCluskey told the Telegraph: "People across our area know from their own experience how difficult it is to find a dentist. 'These figures demonstrate beyond doubt that the SNP are asleep at the wheel when it comes to dental care in our area. "The Scottish Government have promised time and again to reform the NHS and get to grips with the health and social care crisis, and time and again they have failed. 'So much work has been undertaken over the years to improve children's teeth and to set them up for the rest of their lives. 'This risks being undone by poor access to dentistry and a system that is creaking locally. READ MORE: Inverclyde patients face 36-mile round trip to sign up with NHS dentast as local crisis deepens Inverclyde dental crisis sparks calls to bring back local emergency clinics Dentist reveals hopes for new Greenock practice - along with planned opening date Inverclyde 'dental desert' crisis highlighted in Scottish Parliament debate "These statistics are likely only the tip of the iceberg. I expect many more children will have been treated as emergency cases at local dentists. "These cases represent the most extreme situations where children have clearly been left in so much pain that parents have had no other option than to taken them to A&E." In June 2024, emergency dental clinics in Greenock Health Centre were piloted for a short time following the closure of MyDentist in George Square. Mr McCluskey launched a campaign last year to improve NHS dental provision in the area after the Ardgowan Practice in Greenock stopped treating patients on the NHS, blaming government underfunding and a rise in running costs. He added: "It is clear that this situation, already bad before the pandemic, has been allowed to deteriorate since then, and this will continue unless pressure is applied to force the Scottish Government to act.' (Image: George Munro) A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Our commitment to improving NHS dentistry means communities in Inverclyde and across Scotland will benefit from an increase of almost 15 per cent in funding for primary care dental services planned this year - taking total funding to over half a billion pounds for the first time. "It also includes investment of up to £3 million to improve access and support the NHS dental workforce.' They went on to highlight the flagship Childsmile programme focuses on ensuring every child in Scotland has access to high-quality dental services. The spokesperson added: "The latest National Dental Inspection Programme figures show that 73 per cent of children in Primary 1 have no obvious tooth decay compared with just 58 per cent when it was introduced in 2008. 'The gap between Primary 1 children with no obvious tooth decay living in the most and least deprived areas is the lowest on record. Soaring numbers of children in Inverclyde are attending A&E for emergency dental treatment, new figures have revealed. (Image: Canva) 'Whilst we have more work to do, it's worth noting over one million patients were seen by an NHS dentist between January and March 2025, and Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers free, regular dental examinations for all." A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: " We are continuing to work with general dental practitioners and colleagues within Inverclyde HSCP to identify initiatives to support access to emergency dental care. "Inverclyde also remains an area where Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI) funding is available to support new practices opening in the area, and this initiative has led to one formal application being progressed through due process."
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Clyde Tunnel toll would be 'devastating' for people living near Glasgow, warn MPs
EXCLUSIVE: A group of MPs from the west of Scotland have warned a proposal to charge drivers from outwith Glasgow would amount to a "tax on jobs". A Clyde Tunnel toll for non-Glasgow residents would be "devastating" for people living near the city, West of Scotland MPs have said. Martin McCluskey, Alison Taylor, Johanna Baxter, Douglas McAllister and Blair McDougall have said the proposal would be a "tax on jobs". The Labour MPs - who represent Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire - have written to Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken asking her to dump the plans. They wrote: "This proposal would have a devastating impact on the tens of thousands of residents outside of Glasgow who rely on this route for their daily commute into and through the city. "Implementing a toll would essentially amount to a tax on jobs, disproportionately affecting individuals who work in Glasgow but reside in surrounding areas. " This would not only be a financial burden on commuters but also have a huge impact on retailers within Glasgow, who would likely see a decline in customer numbers and sales. "We strongly believe that this plan should be immediately abandoned. The Clyde Tunnel is avital transportation artery, and charging a toll would be a regressive measure that would harm the local economy and penalize those who rely on this route for their daily lives. "Residents in our constituencies, use the Clyde Tunnel to access employment opportunities, services, and amenities in Glasgow. "Introducing a toll would create a significant barrier to access, particularly for those who are already struggling financially." It emerged earlier this week that Glasgow is pushing forward with the controversial plan to charge drivers who don't live in the city to use the tunnel. Council chiefs are frustrated the cash-strapped local authority has to pay for the upkeep of the underwater crossing as it is not classed as being part of the national road network. The tunnel is not a designated A road which means Transport Scotland has no responsibility for its management. Councillors have now been told a regulatory check must be carried out before a toll scheme for non-city residents can be introduced - but that's unlikely to be completed before the next Scottish Parliament election in May. Glasgow is run by a minority SNP administration with support from the Scottish Greens. But there is unhappiness among Nationalists in the city at Holyrood's refusal to help with the rising cost of maintaining the tunnel. Funding received for the tunnel's operation and maintenance is the same amount per kilometre as for a standard stretch of road, which it has been estimated leads to an annual shortfall of around £820,000. Aitken said: 'As you might have hoped the members would be aware, the city council currently has no specific proposal to introduce a toll on the Clyde Tunnel – and, perhaps more importantly, lacks the legal powers to do so. 'However, their letter does raise significant issues about how we pay for critical national infrastructure – the cost of which in this case falls entirely and, frankly, unfairly on the citizens of Glasgow. 'As a first step, this group of MPs can lobby their own council leaders at Cosla to push for fair funding for services and assets that are used overwhelmingly by their constituents - but paid for by the people of Glasgow. 'And, if they are serious about supporting jobs and economic growth across the region, they should also speak up about their own government's refusal to give Scottish city regions the kind of devolution deal being handed to our counterparts in England. 'That investment is what communities across Glasgow city region need to be able to resolve these issues and other local priorities.'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Inverclyde's MP backs endometriosis campaign as new figures reveal shocking delays
INVERCLYDE'S MP has given his backing to a national campaign highlighting the challenges faced by women with endometriosis. Around 1.5 million women in the UK live with the condition - but even though it affects one in 10 women, new research released this Endometriosis Action Month by charity Endometriosis UK shows that only 50 per cent of young adults in the UK know what endometriosis is. The shocking lack of awareness is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost 9 years for a diagnosis, leading to loss of education and work productivity, often impacting both physical and mental health. Last year the Tele reported the story of Greenock woman Emma Jess, who said she had been waiting for NHS surgery to treat her endometriosis for five years. Emma, 27, told us she had suffered from the debilitating and incurable condition since the age of nine - and had been on the list for surgery since 2019. READ MORE: Greenock woman says she's still waiting for endometriosis surgery after five years on the list Martin McCluskey MP said: 'Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West and this Endometriosis Action Month I am pledging my support by raising awareness of this often devastating disease. "I have been struck by the number of women who have attended my surgeries who are dealing with delays in diagnosis for endometriosis. 'Despite its prevalence, latest research from Endometriosis UK highlights that it currently takes on average nearly nine years to get a diagnosis, and it's a disease only 50 per cent of young adults have ever even heard of. 'Not only without a diagnosis can the disease worsen but it can have a huge impact on all aspects someone's life. "I look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and my constituents to raise vital awareness of endometriosis." (Image: Contributed) Faye Farthing, Head of Communications at Endometriosis UK added: 'We are delighted to have the support of Martin McCluskey MP during Endometriosis Action Month. "It's shocking that despite being the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, only 50 per cent of young adults have ever even heard of it. It is vital that every young person is taught in school what is and isn't normal and feels empowered to seek help if needed. 'Without this knowledge, young people will continue to suffer in silence; missing out on vital education, future employment opportunities, as well as impacting on physical and mental health. "The lifelong impact of this cannot be overstated. We therefore look forward to working with MPs and the Government to improve education and care for the 1.5million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK." A poll of 2,000 members of the public, conducted last month, revealed that awareness of endometriosis is on the rise, with 64 per cent recognising it as a gynaecological health condition, up from 53 per cent in 2024. However, one in three admitted to not having open conversations about periods and menstrual health with anyone - and 60 per cent admitted they would not know how to support someone they were close to if they got diagnosed with endometriosis. Latest research by Endometriosis UK from a survey of 4,371 people who have received a diagnosis of endometriosis in March 2024 found that it takes an average of eight years and 10 months in Scotland to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. The figure is the same in England, and rises to nine years and five months in Northern Ireland and to nine years and 11 months in Wales. Almost half of all respondents (47 per cent) said they had visited their GP 10 or more times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis, and 70 per cent had visited five times or more. Only one in 10 reported that GPs had mentioned suspected endometriosis at either their first or second appointment where symptoms were discussed. More than half - 52 per cent - said they had visited A&E at least once, and fewer than a fifth of those (17 per cent) were referred to gynaecology at their first visit. One in four - 26 per cent - visited A&E three or more times with symptoms prior to diagnosis, while 20 per cent reported seeing a gynaecologist 10 or more times before being diagnosed. And more than three quarters of those who later received a diagnosis of endometriosis said they had experienced one doctor, or more, telling them they were making a 'fuss about nothing' - a number which increased from 69 per cent to 78 per cent compared to the last such survey, in 2020.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Absolutely gutted': Reaction as Ferguson yard misses out on ferry contract
A 'HAMMER BLOW'…'incredibly disappointing'…'absolutely gutted' – just three of the reactions to the devastating news that hit the workforce at the Ferguson Marine yard on Monday. The jobs of the hundreds of people who work at Fergusons, as well as the yard's many subcontractors, have been left hanging in the balance after Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) that it had chosen a Polish yard as the 'lead bidder' for a £175 million contract to build seven new small electric ferries for the CalMac fleet. And while the contract is only the first stage in CMAL's two-phase 'small vessel replacement programme', with the second phase to be the subject of a separate procurement exercise later this year, yesterday's news has been widely viewed as a body blow for the Port Glasgow yard – which currently has no work on its order books once MV Glen Rosa, the second new vessel being built for CalMac's Arran route, is complete. Bosses at Ferguson Marine – whose interim chief executive, John Petticrew, resigned last week, citing personal reasons – insist they remain optimistic about its future. (Image: George Munro) GMB Scotland said the decision to send the contract to Poland made 'no sense' and said Ferguson Marine workers 'deserve better'. Alex Logan, GMB Scotland convener at the Port Glasgow yard, said: "This is another blow to a workforce that has been used as political punch bag for far too long. "The reputation of skilled and committed workers has been dragged down by the incompetence and miscalculation of others. "This contract should have allowed the yard to seize back a reputation for excellence unfairly torn away. "The Scottish Government is investing in the yard but what use is investment without contracts? "We had a worldwide reputation for building small vessels and sending this work overseas makes no sense for the workers, for islanders or for the people of Scotland. (Image: George Munro) "We will continue to fight for future contract to build on the strengths of this yard, its workers and apprentices, and secure a future building ships on the Clyde." Mr Logan said he GMB hoped other contracts would be won in the near future to 'protect the skills' at the yard. He added: "The Scottish Government is investing £14m in upgrading the facilities which makes no sense without work. "While today's announcement is disappointing, it was not unexpected and we are working to support other tenders for other work." Inverclyde and West Renfrewshire MP Martin McCluskey slammed the news. (Image: Newsquest) Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey said the SNP had chosen Poland over Port Glasgow, and pledged to make representations to the Scottish Government. He added: "This is an incredibly disappointing decision by CMAL and is the result of the Scottish Government failing to provide a direct award to the yard. "This should never have been allowed to happen. "Now, no workers in Scotland - let alone in Inverclyde - will benefit from these contracts. "Ferguson's successfully built vessels similar to these in the past, and could again. "The contract award took no consideration of the social impact of not awarding these contracts to Port Glasgow. (Image: PA) 'The same mistake cannot be made in the next round of the small vessels replacement programme. "The workers in the yard deserve a break after years of being let down by the Scottish Government and poor management. "I will be making representations to the Scottish Government today - as the owners of the yard - for them to lay out their plan to secure the jobs at the yard." Greenock and Inverclyde SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said he was left 'absolutely gutted' by the decision and said workers would be 'devastated'. He added: "The workforce can build top quality vessels, and they have proven that with the three small hybrid vessels previously built. "Phase one of the small vessels programme would have secured a medium-term future for the yard from which to build upon. "I know the workforce will be devasted; they have gone through a great deal of false dawns and it's not what they deserve." (Image: George Munro) Mr McMillan is now calling on the Scottish Government to decide exactly what it wants from the yard going forward. He added: "Fundamentally, CMAL is a Scottish Government body, and the Scottish Government must now decide what they want from Ferguson Marine. "There needs to be a statement to Parliament. "The yard has a workforce that can deliver. It now needs a board and management team that can deliver, and the Scottish Government must ensure this happens now. "The Ferguson Marine board have a responsibility to turn the yard into a competitive business and despite progress being made, clearly, they have a long way to go. "CMAL have run the tender exercise, and I have no doubt it followed due process. "The management submitted their bid which obviously wasn't competitive. "I, like many, will want to know where the yard placed out of the five tenders. "Today's announcement only strengthens the argument that a direct award was the best option to help safeguard and develop the yard." Mr McMillan said it is 'critical' that the yard is awarded a phase two contract. Stuart McMillan MSP (Image: Scottish Parliament) Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, said not awarding the contract to Ferguson's was 'a disgrace'. He added: "This important work is going overseas to Poland instead of coming to Port Glasgow. "Ferguson Marine has a track record of building smaller vessels on time and in budget. "It's shocking that not one SNP minister has lost their job because of the ferries fiasco but they are now putting the workers' - who have been entirely blameless throughout this saga - jobs at risk. "This is a mess of the SNP Scottish Government's own making and it's their job to clear it up. "It is absolutely essential now that Fergusons Marine is awarded the work in the second phase of this programme to be announced later this year." (Image: George Munro) Jamie Greene MSP said the news was a 'hammer blow' and said he was 'deeply disappointed'. He said a failure to come up with a plan for new contracts would be a 'betrayal'. He added: "This outcome will be a hammer blow to the talented workforce at the yard whose skills and experience would have been an asset to this contract. "It is crucial that the Scottish Government urgently outlines what the future of the yard actually looks like. "We need a comprehensive plan to secure new contracts for Ferguson Marine, ensuring the yard's sustainability and the preservation of these vital jobs. "Failure to do so would not only be a betrayal to Inverclyde, but also to Scotland's maritime legacy. "What's the point of the Scottish taxpayer owning a shipyard on our doorstep when the SNP are handing ferry building contracts to Turkey and Poland?" Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said: 'It is our responsibility to follow the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland and appoint a yard capable of producing quality vessels which meet the needs of islanders, but that also deliver the best value for the public purse. 'We are confident in Remontowa's ability, and have worked with them before, most recently with the delivery of the MV Finlaggan in 2011. We will now enter a 10-day standstill period before finalising the contract.' Duncan Mackison, CalMac's chief executive officer, said: "Confirming the lead bidder is a significant milestone for CalMac, and we're excited to welcome new, modern small vessels to the fleet from 2027 onwards. Small vessels are an integral part of our operation, and new tonnage will allow us to improve the resilience of our service and the experience customers have on these routes. "These seven new vessels, when combined with the six major new vessels joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026, will mean a third of our entire fleet has been renewed." Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: 'I welcome this milestone being reached in the procurement to build and deliver seven new small vessels to our ferry network. 'These seven new vessels will help improve connectivity and resilience for island residents, businesses and communities, and their electric operation will contribute to reduced carbon emissions from Scotland's ferry fleet and make ferry travel more sustainable. 'I appreciate all the work that has gone into getting us to this important stage of the procurement process, particularly by CMAL, and am hopeful that we can look forward to contracts being signed at the end of the required standstill period.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greenock's MP hails news £20m for town could be released in the next few weeks
THE news that up to £20 million to revitalise Greenock could be released as early as next month has been hailed by the town's MP. The UK Government confirmed on Tuesday that the funding – part of £200m coming to towns across Scotland, and of £1.5bn being allocated to towns around the UK – will be released from April, with 'delivery investment' starting next year. The town was originally promised the cash by the previous Conservative administration as part of its Long Term Plan for Towns fund. The pledge was upheld by Labour in its first Budget at the end of October, though the programme has now been renamed Plan for Neighbourhoods. Martin McCluskey MP said: 'I'm thrilled that up to £20 million has been earmarked for Greenock, bringing the benefits of the Labour Government's Plan for Change to our local area and unleashing the enormous potential we have locally. READ MORE: £20m regeneration cash for Greenock to be released in weeks "Today's announcement means more control in the hands of local people, and less micro-management from central government. 'This is the difference that Labour in government makes, and I look forward to supporting the work of the Neighbourhood Board as we deliver for residents.' The other Scottish areas receiving investment are Arbroath, Elgin, the Orkney Islands, Peterhead, Dumfries, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Clydebank and Coatbridge. The cash for Greenock was originally promised by the previous Conservative government, with Labour renewing the pledge in its first Budget at the end of October. (Image: George Munro) 'Neighbourhood boards' will be set up to bring together residents and businesses from each area and decide how the money should be spent. The boards can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up low-cost community grocers providing low-cost alternatives when shopping for essentials, as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watches. The £20m coming Greenock's way is separate from another funds boost of more than £20m in 'Levelling Up' money which has been set aside to cover the cost of demolishing sections of the Oak Mall shopping centre and removing the Bullring roundabout and the nearby flyover. Martin McCluskey MP says confirmation of the funding is great news for Greenock. (Image: Newsquest) Inverclyde Council said last year that that work was due to begin in early 2025. Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: 'The UK Government is getting on with delivering our Plan for Change with investment and reform to turbocharge growth and put more money in people's pockets – and our Plan for Neighbourhoods is a crucial part of that. 'With this £200 million investment into 10 of Scotland's towns, local communities will be at the beating heart of helping us to deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all across Scotland.'
