CHRISTINE GRAHAME MSP Scottish National Party South of Scotland
Current campaigns
Thirlstane Drive/ Lauder traffic Many constituents have contacted me, particularly with regard to the use of Thirlstane Drive as through road given that many who now live there were unaware that part of the development consent was that it would be used to divert traffic from the Town. I have also had representations about the flow of traffic through Lauder generally. I have communicated with the Council on this issue, and had meetings with constituents. It may be however that there are differing views on the issue of the Thirlstane Drive through road and traffic control through Lauder.
Therefore to inform me in my representations to the Council and indeed to the developers with regard to Thirlstane Drive, I have overleaf a consultation form and it would be most helpful if you could complete this and return it to me in the Freepost envelope I have provided. There is no need for a stamp.
Ministers must refuse hospital closure application - Grahame
SNP MSP Christine Grahame has called on Scottish Ministers to refuse any application by NHS Borders to close cottage hospitals at Coldstream and Jedburgh following recent well attended local marches which attracted hundreds of locals opposed to the move by the health board. Ms Grahame has now lodged a parliamentary motion at the Scottish Parliament highlighting local objections to the plans which she hopes will be debated by MSPs. She said:
“There can be no doubt in the minds of the NHS Borders board about local objections to these plans.
“Hundreds of local people have now made their position clear by attending two marches and rallies in Coldstream and Jedburgh. They are determined to see health care provided locally through the existing cottage hospitals and the campaign now has full cross party support, support from the churches and from the GPs.
“If NHS Borders is serious about consulting local people about these closures then they must listen to the hundreds who have taken part in these recent rallies.
“In both these communities there are developed plans to modernise healthcare provision and a recognition that with the increasing elderly population in the region there will be more and not less need for keeping these two hospitals.
“Already we are seeing an over burdened Borders General Hospital struggling to cope in terms of providing beds for the elderly and is unable to discharge others due to shortages in support services.
“I have lodged a parliamentary motion highlighting this and hope to garner enough cross party support to have the issue thoroughly debated in the Scottish Parliament. I am sure that such a move would send a clear message to the board of NHS Borders to think again.
“This Executive has been quick to talk up the benefits of sustaining rural communities like those in Coldstream and Jedburgh. The heart of both these communities lies in its cottage hospitals.
“If Ministers are serious about rural sustainability then I expect them to refuse any application by NHS Borders to close these hospitals in light of the broad and growing opposition to the board’s plans.”
