News from Katy Clark MSP
KATY CLARK MSP REVEALS £20M DELAYED DISCHARGE PRICE TAG IN AYRSHIRE & ARRAN
28th June
Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark has warned delayed discharge in North Ayrshire is “piling pressure on hospitals” after a new report revealed the issue cost NHS Ayrshire & Arran over £20 million in 2022/23.
Delayed discharge figures monitor the number of days patients spend in hospital despite being fit to leave, typically because of a lack of social care services in their area. Over the course of the year, a total of 70,677 bed days in NHS Ayrshire & Arran were lost to delayed discharge, as rates across Scotland hit a record high. This includes 22,316 bed days in North Ayrshire.
Analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed the approximate cost of delayed discharge to NHS Scotland in 2022/23 was an eye-watering £193 million. Katy Clark, who represents West Scotland for Scottish Labour, commented: “Delayed discharge in North Ayrshire is piling pressure on our hospitals and threatening patients’ recovery. Our NHS is at breaking point and every penny matters. It is a scandal that NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been forced to foot a £20 million bill.
“Rather than come forward with a serious strategy to bed shortages and a genuine cross-organisational strategy for health and social care, the Scottish Government has pursued a botched plan for a National Care Service which will do nothing but expand private outsourcing in the sector.
“The Scottish Government must urgently support social care services in North Ayrshire and increase pay for the sector’s dedicated workers, so no-one is left languishing in hospital waiting for a care package.”
KATY CLARK MSP COMMENTS ON DAMNING FERRIES REPORT
26th June
Commenting on the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee’s findings of a lack of political leadership and the ferries crisis posing an “existential threat” to island life, Katy Clark MSP, who represents island communities in West Scotland for Scottish Labour, said: “The situation facing island communities is unacceptable and is only going to get worse.
“The failure of the Scottish Government to procure new fleet over many years has left us with an ageing fleet which is breaking down more often. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix. The economies of island communities are taking a huge hit and islanders can’t rely on the service to get them to medical appointments, work or other commitments on the mainland.
“The ministerial churn has compounded the problem. The Scottish Government need to own the situation and obtain the emergency funding to procure new vessels – including, if necessary, asking the Westminster government to provide assistance.”
SCOTTISH LABOUR LEADER TO OFFICIALLY OPEN REGIONAL MSP OFFICE THIS WEEKEND
17th June
Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark was thrilled to welcome leader Anas Sarwar to officially open her regional office in Ardrossan today.
The office, on Harbour Street in the town centre, first opened its doors to the public in November after delays caused by the pandemic. Katy, who was formerly MP for North Ayrshire and Arran between 2005 and 2015, was thrilled to welcome activists and local residents. They heard from Anas as he gave a speech and formally cut the ribbon.
She commented: “It was brilliant to welcome Anas Sarwar to launch our constituency office here in North Ayrshire today.
“Since being elected in 2021, I have along with my Scottish Labour colleagues sought to represent constituents’ interests on a range of different issues. As a representative for the area over many years, I believe Ardrossan is a great base to reach people locally.
“My office is open to constituents across the entire West Scotland region.”
Featured image shows the opening of Katy Clark’s office in Ardrossan last month. Credit: Katy Clark Office
A “SIX YEAR OMNISHAMBLES” – SCOTTISH LABOUR MSP ON ARDROSSAN HARBOUR DELAY
8th June
Commenting on the news that the upgrading of Ardrossan Harbour is not likely to be finished until 2026, Katy Clark, Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland, commented: “This latest announcement only adds to the uncertainty. A prolonged move to Troon would impact local supply chains, the viability of local businesses and other transport links.
“Ministers should have brought the harbour back into public ownership years ago to ensure progress was made to upgrade it for a new fleet. Instead, they’ve dithered and delayed, failing to agree terms with intransigent private owners Peel Ports. It’s islanders, ferry users and local businesses who pay the price for this omnishambles.
“This entire episode demonstrates why our Clydeside ports, which are vital strategic assets, must be brought into public ownership. And we need a serious joined-up strategy from the Scottish Government, with funding in place to ensure both vessels and port infrastructure are finally fit for purpose.”
See also: Anger as Ardrossan harbour upgrade delayed again with Glen Sannox ready first
