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Notes on the Ninth TBag meeting held on Monday 4 October 2004. Charles Leeson Payne David Sedgwick Ian Sykes Ella Jamieson Patricia Jordan Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Donald MacQuarrie Isabel Campbell Olwyn Macdonald John Hutchison 15 Members of the Community Apologies David Rodger Mervyn James Marie Maclean Olwyn Macdonald opened the meeting by thanking everyone connected with the successful campaign to save 24/7 services at the Belford. Olwyn stressed that it had been very much a team effort with a considerable amount of hard work from all of the team members. Olwyn also highlighted the support that had been received from the Lochaber Community and recorded the campaign teams thanks for this support. John Hutchison introduced the report of the West Highland Health Solutions group and presented the conclusions of the report. (the report is available at www.highland.gov.uk) A schedule, which had been distributed earlier in the day to members of staff at the Belford Hospital, was circulated. This schedule contained 20 questions, which had been raised by the report, and gave the corresponding answers. Michael Foxley addressed the meeting on his planned presentation of the report to the NHS Highland Board on Tuesday 5 October. David Sedgwick, Charles Leeson Payne and Chris Robinson amplified various points from the report Donald MacQuarrie confirmed that the sub committee of the influential Church and Nations committee still intended to visit Fort William and meet representatives from TBag. Verbal reports on the following meetings were provided Meeting with David Davidson MSP, Conservative spokesperson on Health (see press release) Attendance at SNP Conference in Inverness and meetings with SNP, MSPs. Meeting with Garry Coutts, Chairman of NHS Highland. Meeting with local Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was advised that John Hutchison, Patricia Jordan and Stewart Maclean would present the e-petition to the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 5 October 2004. The following dates for the performance of Private Agenda by the 7/84 Theatre company were noted and it was agreed that TBag would provide representatives for the end of play discussion panel. Nevis Centre, Fort William on Wednesday 13 October Ballachulish Village Hall on Friday15 October It was agreed that a celebration party be held in the Nevis Centre on Friday 12 November 2004 to acknowledge the support of the Lochaber Community in the successful campaign to retain 24/7 services at the Belford. Joan MacKintosh, Isabel Campbell, Christine Hutchison, Sandra Casey and Andy Muirhead will coordinate arrangements. It was agreed to erect a Thank you, Lochaber .. sign on the gable end of the shop previously known as The Top Shop in Fort William. It was noted that the Daily Record promotional campaign ended on Sunday 3 October. To date no funds had been received from the Daily Record. It was noted that Griogair Craig had successfully completed his sponsored kayaking trip from Banavie to Inverness. Griogair was at present collecting his sponsorship money. It was advised that Alistair Philip had swam Loch Linnhe in support of the Belford Hospital and not the TBag campaign. There had been no further pledges since the last meeting and total pledges stood at 10000. The following financial donations had been received since the last meeting: The Rodger family 175.00 Marine Harvest Staff 238.08 Freedom of Glen Staff 327.00 The total donations to date amounted to 2144.96 The following expenditures had been committed since the last meeting Petition Flyers 40.00 SCHN website 119.70 Secretarial assistance 39.60 The total expenditure to date amounted to 3248.63 The expenditure presently required to be met from pledges is 1103.67 It was agreed that the Belford Action Group would go into recess for a maximum period of three months and that any member could call for a meeting during the period of recess by contacting Stewart Maclean. (This period of recess will allow the work of the NHS Highland Implementation and Monitoring sub committees to progress)
Notes on the Eighth TBag meeting held on Monday 23 August 2004. Present Ella Jamieson Patricia Jordan Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Donald MacQuarrie Isabel Campbell Olwyn Macdonald John Hutchison Rhoda Grant 20 Members of the Community Apologies David Rodger Charles Leeson Payne David Sedgwick Ian Sykes Mervyn James Marie Maclean Donald MacQuarrie reported that the sub committee of the influential Church and Nations committee would be visiting Fort William in September and a meeting with TBag representatives would be arranged. Isabel Campbell, Joan MacKintosh and Stewart Maclean reported on their meeting with Mr Malcolm Chisholm on Wednesday 18 August. David Rodger was also present at the meeting with the Minister. Attention was drawn to the press release issued following the meeting. The Lochaber medical team met with the Health Minister prior to his meeting with TBag and the main focus of their discussion had been the training of consultants. Sandra Casey updated the meeting on the E-Petition, which had gone live on July 5, and advised that the total number of signatures now exceeded 800. The E-Petition would close on Tuesday 21 September by which time it was hoped the total signatures would exceed 1500. The Parliamentary petitions committee would review the petition and, hopefully, recommend a presentation to the Health Committee. It was agreed that the Belford Action Group would subscribe to membership of the Scottish Health Campaign Network at a cost of 50. Michael Foxley supported by Patricia Jordan, Olwyn MacDonald, Mary Bruce and John Hutchison reported on the fourth meeting of the West Highland Health Solutions Group meeting which had been held in Fort William on Friday 20 August. They reported a difficult but successful meeting with the Audit work prepared by Chris Robinson being tabled and accepted by the Group, The Lochaber Option being firmly put back on the table, and the Belford consultants considering areas of cooperation with their colleagues in Oban including a possible trial of night time consultant cross cover. (See press release issued following the TBag meeting) The Solutions Group also unanimously agreed that a Consultant Day Hospital model at the Belford was not an option. The next Solutions Group meeting will be held on Friday 24 September with the final meeting and the issue of the report still planned for Friday 1 October. It was agreed that TBag seek a meeting with Roger Gibbons and Gary Coutts in order to raise issues of recruitment and proactive support for the Belford and its staff by NHS Highland. Campaign Updates 9000 Car stickers were now printed and mostly distributed The online petition signatures were nearing 8000 (5000 at last meeting on 28 June) The street banner messages had been rotated after they were used for the Caol Gala day float. Sandra Casey updated the meeting on TBag summertime activities including attendance at numerous shows and events and the very successful representation at the Caol Gala Day, which saw the emergence of the TBag float. Appreciation of the ongoing support of the local press and Nevis Radio was recorded. Sponsored Events etc The meeting was advised of a raffle being run by the staff of the Freedom of the Glens Hotels in support of TBag funds. Griogair Craig will be kayaking from Banavie to Inverness on Wednesday 1 September with sponsorship funds going to support TBag. Alistair Philip will be swimming from Ardgour to Fort William in aid of funds for TBag. Dates for the 7:84 Theatre Groups presentation in Lochaber were confirmed as Wednesday 13 October in the Nevis Centre and Friday 15 October in Ballachulish Village Hall. The Daily Record will be featuring support for the TBag campaign during September and making a financial contribution to TBag funds for every paper sold in Lochaber. It was agreed that the first anniversary of the 11 November 2003 Nevis Centre meeting would be marked. Joan Mackintosh, Isabel Campbell, Sandra Casey, Christine Hutchison and Andy Muirhead agreed to take forward the arranging of a suitable event.
Financial pledges to date were confirmed as 10000. No pledges have been received since the meeting on 28 June 2004. Total operational expenditure to date was confirmed as 3049.33 ( This includes1404.88 of specific donations which have been received to part fund the production of 9000 car stickers). The funds committed and requiring to be met by the pledges is therefore 1644.45. A schedule of income and expenditures was circulated The next meeting will be held at the Alexandra Hotel at 7pm on Monday 4 October 2004. The meeting will be open to the public.
Notes on the Seventh TBag meeting held on Monday 28 June 2004. Present Mervyn James Ella Jamieson Patricia Jordan Marie Maclean Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Donald MacQuarrie Rhoda Grant 20 Members of the Community Apologies David Rodger Isabel Campbell Charles Leeson Payne David Sedgwick Olwyn Macdonald Ian Sykes John Hutchison Michael Foxley gave a full report on the third and latest West Highland Health Solutions Group meeting and highlighted the constructive discussions taking place with regard to the Belford Hospital and the Oban Hospital working more closely together both in regard to daytime and out of hours work. He also reported that the work of the Solutions Group would now move forward with a sub group meeting twice over the next two months to further analyse the out of hours work carried out at both the Belford and Oban and consultants from both hospitals meeting to discuss areas of cooperation. Patricia Jordan and Brian Murphy, who had also attended the Solutions Group meeting, contributed their views and observations. In general the views of the latest meeting were more positive than the views of the previous two Solutions Group meetings. Questions were raised both by members of TBag and members of the public as to why the gathering and analysing of the required information was being undertaken by Lochaber doctors and consultants and not by NHS management and why the Solutions Group had not been properly resourced to carry out this work. It was suggested that the 100000 spent by the ill fated West Highland Health Services Project and the commissioning of the Birmingham consultants could have been better spent on the work which was now required to be undertaken. The meeting was reminded that any proposal agreed by the Solutions Group would still require the approval of NHS Highland and NHS Argyll and Clyde particularly if the proposal required additional funding. TBag recorded their appreciation of the work being undertaken by Baroness Michie and the West Highland Health Solutions Group. The next full meeting of the Solutions Group will be held in Fort William on Friday 20 August 2004. The Temple 2 report was summarised by those who had read it as in the future we will not have enough doctors to sustain existing health services, therefore we will cut services. The report was generally criticised for addressing the delivery of health services and not the patient/customer health care requirements. It was noted that John Hutchison was developing a Business Plan for Change based on the proposals presently coming from the Solutions Group. Donald MacQuarrie reported that a sub committee of the influential Church and Nations committee had been formed to look at the future of health services in rural areas and they would be visiting Fort William in the near future. The meeting was updated by Sandra Casey on the latest political lobbying activities which included. Attendance at a second cross party meeting in Edinburgh at which it was agreed to seek approval for the formation of an official group under the chairmanship of Jean Turner MSP. The submission of a pan Scotland e-petition to the Scottish Parliament petitions group. Approval of the petition was awaited. It was confirmed that a further 5000 Support the Belford car stickers had been produced and were now available for distribution. This brought the total number of car stickers produced to 9000. It was confirmed that the online petition now exceeded 5000 signatures (4800 plus 300 yet to be added). It was confirmed that that offline campaign of gathering signatures would continue during the summer months with various key events being targeted. Sandra Casey reported that attendance at the World Mountain Bike Championships had been very successful with over 700 signatures having been gathered for the online petition. Everyone was encouraged to support the TBag representation at the Caol Gala day on Saturday 7 August.
Financial pledges to date were confirmed as 10000. No pledges have been received since the previous meeting. Operational expenditure to date was confirmed as 1494.62 (excluding 1322.18 of specific donations which had been received to part fund the production of 9000 car stickers). A schedule of income and expenditures was circulated The next meeting will be held at the Alexandra Hotel at 7pm on Monday 23 August 2004. The meeting will be open to the public.
Notes on the Sixth TBag meeting held on Monday 24 May 2004. Present David Sedgwick Mervyn James Olwyn Macdonald Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Ian Sykes Michael Foxley Isabel Campbell Charles Leeson Payne Donald MacQuarrie Ella Jamieson John Hutchison Rhoda Grant 15 Members of the Community Apologies David Rodger Patricia Jordan Marie Maclean Chris Robinson The Lochaber members of the Solutions Group present at the meeting briefed everyone on the outcome of the second meeting of the Solutions Group, which had taken place on Friday 21 May 2004 in Glenfinnan. (See press release at www.tbag.org.uk) Donald MacQuarrie confirmed that representatives of the Church and Nations Committee would be visiting Lochaber in the near future. As soon as a date was arranged all TBag members would be advised. John Hutchison confirmed that a request for a youth representative to join TBag had been issued to the appropriate organisations. The meeting was updated by Sandra Casey, Andy Muirhead and Joan MacKintosh on the latest political lobbying activities which included. A lobby of the Scottish Conservative Conference in Dundee on Saturday 25 May 2004. Attendance at a cross party meeting in Edinburgh discussing the loss of hospital consultants in rural areas. A proposal to present a pan Scotland e-petition to the Scottish Parliament petitions group. It was agreed to proceed with this proposal with Sandra Casey taking the lead role. Stewart Maclean confirmed that the Pan Scotland Health Forum had been advised of the TBag decision not to attend their meeting in Perth on Saturday 25 May 2004. Local IT company had however assisted the Forum by providing a discussion website.
It was agreed that a further quantity of car stickers be produced. The Lochaber Association of Community Councils agreed that their pledge of 500 be used to part fund this further quantity of car stickers. (5000 car stickers cost 1029.30). It was agreed that the distribution of the new car stickers would be controlled and that a donation towards their cost would be requested from recipients. Two new double sided banners have been produced and installed at the West End roundabout and Lochybridge. The two original one sided banners were handed over for display and safekeeping to Ella Jamieson and Mervyn James for use in Ardnamurchan and Mallaig respectively. It was confirmed that the online petition had now reached 4000 signatures. It was confirmed that that offline campaign would continue during the summer months with various key events being targeted. It was confirmed that arrangements for representation at the World Mountain Bike Championships and the Caol Gala day were proceeding satisfactorily. Stewart Maclean highlighted the letter recently received from Jack McConnell and the First Ministers commitment to revert to TBag on the issues raised during a recent meeting. Stewart confirmed that the follow up of businesses, which had not responded to the request for support, was ongoing.
Financial pledges to date were confirmed as 10000. This reflected a reduction of 500 from the last report as the Lochaber Association of Community Councils had agreed for their pledge to be expended on car stickers. No pledges have been received since the previous meeting. Operational expenditure to date was confirmed as 964.82 (excluding the purchase of 4000 car stickers which were funded by specific donations) and a schedule of expenditures was circulated Support in Kind was acknowledged and is recorded on www.tbag.org.uk. The next meeting will be held at the Alexandra Hotel at 7pm on Monday 28 June 2004. The meeting will be open to the public.
Notes on the Fifth TBag meeting held on Monday 26 April 2004. Present David Sedgwick Marie Maclean Mervyn James Patricia Jordan Olwyn Macdonald Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy 15 Members of the Community Apologies Ian Sykes Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Isabel Campbell Charles Leeson Payne Donald MacQuarrie Ella Jamieson David Rodger John Hutchison Rhoda Grant David Sedgwick, Olwyn Macdonald, Patricia Jordan and John Goodall briefed the meeting on the first meeting of the Solutions Group which took place on Friday 23 April 2004. It was the general view that the meeting had been very positive and the ghost of the West Highland Health Services Project had been laid to rest. The Solutions Group members advised that there was now a considerable amount of work to be done before the next meeting in May. It was also understood that Baroness Michie, on behalf of the Solutions Group, would issue a report by the end of September 2004. It was advised that the brief for the Social and Economic Survey was in late stages of preparation but was not yet complete. It was confirmed that representatives of the Church and Nations Committee would be visiting Lochaber towards the end of May. Donald MacQuarrie will be raising the issue of the Belford during his visit, in early May, to the General Assembly. It was agreed to put the Youth Voice issue on the agenda of the next meetings. It is understood that John Hutchison is pursuing the identification of a youth representative to join TBag. Sandra Casey updated the meeting on her very successful activities at the Lib/Dem Conference in Dundee (assisted by Andy Muirhead) and the SNP Conference in Aberdeen (a separate report has been issued on Sandras visit to the SNP conference). It was agreed that Sandra would coordinate a lobby of the Conservative Conference in Dundee on Saturday 15 May 2004. The meeting was updated on the recent meetings with the First Minister, Jack McConnell, Stewart MacLeans contact with various MSPs during a recent visit to the Scottish Parliament and the public meeting held in Fort William by Tommy Sheridan MSP. It was agreed to hold off a decision to print more car stickers until the next meeting. In the meantime everyone will be urged to display their car sticker. It was agreed to order two new banners. The wording for the banners is still to be decided. It was confirmed that the online petition was now approaching 3000 signatures as a result of approximately 1100 signatures having been gathered off line recently by Sandra Casey, Isabel Campbell and a number of supporters. It was agreed that this offline campaign should continue during the summer months with various key events being targeted. Stewart Maclean highlighted various letters of support and thanks, which had been received recently. It was agreed to participate in the Caol Community Gala day event on Saturday 7 August 2004. (Team to include Patricia Jordan, Joan MacKintosh, Andy Muirhead and Sandra Casey) Stewart confirmed that the follow up of businesses, which had not responded to the request for support, was ongoing. It was agreed not to participate in the public protest in Inverness on Saturday 15 May 2004. This is being organised by the North Action Group. It was agreed not to attend the Pan Scotland Health Forum being held in Perth on Saturday 15 May 2004. It was agreed to reconfirm our support and ongoing commitment to this group but record the time commitment already being made to TBag and the Solutions Group
Financial pledges to date were confirmed as 10500. No pledges have been received since the previous meeting. It was confirmed that a bank account was now opened at the Bank of Scotland. Bank signatories are Donald MacQuarrie and Stewart Maclean. Operational expenditure to date was confirmed as 769.17 (excluding the purchase of 4000 car stickers which were funded by specific donations) Donations of 82.70 have been received and have been acknowledged. Support in Kind was acknowledged and is recorded on www.tbag.org.uk. The next meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday 24 May at a location to be decided. The meeting will be open to the public.
Notes on the Fourth TBag meeting held on Tuesday 23 March 2004. Present Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Ella Jamieson Mervyn James Patricia Jordan Olwyn Macdonald Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Ian Sykes 12 Members of the Community John Hutchison Rhoda Grant (has also attended all previous meetings) Apologies Isabel Campbell Marie Maclean Charles Leeson Payne Donald MacQuarrie David Sedgwick David Rodger Brian updated the group on the successful representation at the Labour Party Conference in Inverness including the lobby of delegates, the speeches by Maureen Macmillan MSP and Rhoda Grant, the fringe meeting with David Stewart and the meeting with the Health Minister, Malcolm Chisholm. A number of TBag members participated in this event. Patricia updated the group on the meeting, coordinated by the Stobhill Group, held in Glasgow on 6 March. The meeting had not resulted in a pan Scotland committee being formed, as was the original objective of the Stobhill Group. It was agreed to keep in touch with any developments following this initiative. Michael updated the group on a recent meeting with Peter Peacock MSP. Michael and other medical representatives took the opportunity to brief Peter on the work being undertaken by TBag. This was a constructive meeting and Peter commented positively on the progress being made by TBag. Stewart reported on a meeting with the Association of Lochaber Community Councils and circulated a TBag Calendar, which he had used to update the A.L.C.C. Patricia confirmed that the A.L.C.C members had welcomed the update. Michael advised that the Socio Economic survey to be undertaken by Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise had been formerly approved. Work on the survey will start based on the effects on the North of Scotland of the report produced by Prof. Calder on Caithness Hospital. Work on the survey in regard to the Belford will commence as soon as information was available on the audit presently being undertaken by Chris. The group were advised of the final membership of the Solutions Group and the dates for the first three meetings, which were, 23 April, 21 May and 18 June. It was noted that two of the Solutions Group members had not yet been notified of their membership. It was also noted that an Allied Health Professional member was being sought. Stewart will contact Gavin Brown re both of these points. Stewart reported that Donald had now confirmed that representatives of the Church and Nations Committee would be visiting the area and reporting back to the full C and N Committee on the subject of the threats to services at the Belford Hospital. It was agreed to lobby the Lib/Dem Conference in Dundee on Friday 26 March. Sandra Casey agreed to coordinate arrangements. Michael confirmed that he would be speaking immediately following Charles Kennedy. George Lyon MSP has agreed to sum up Michaels debate. It was agreed to obtain details of the Scottish Nationalist Conference in Aberdeen in order to plan similar representation. (Scottish Conservative Party Conference is to be held in Caird Hall, Dundee on 14 and 15 May) Stewart reported on the status of the Challenges and Action Plan document and confirmed that individuals had now been identified with each action point on the document. Work on this was ongoing and a further report would be presented at the next meeting. It was noted that the online petition launched mid March had now been signed by over 1150 individuals. The petition was being extensively promoted on Nevis Radio. It was agreed to gather signatures for the online petition from stalls in the High Street and from summer shows throughout the area. Names would then be entered on to the online petition. 4000 car stickers have been produced. These were funded by Ella and Ken of the Top Shop Surgery, Arjo Wiggins and donations received at the Mountain Film Festival. These have been distributed to High Street Shops, Council Service points, Petrol filling stations and through Community Council committee members. It is important that the distribution is effective in having the sticker displayed on cars etc. Two temporary banners produced for the visit of Peter Peacock and displayed at Lochy Bridge and the West End roundabout had proved very effective. It was agreed to produce 2 or 3 more permanent banners to be displayed at varying locations throughout Lochaber during the coming months. It was hoped that the message on each banner could also be changed on a regular basis. Stewart to investigate costs and funding. Stewart reported on a meeting with Jim Mather MSP and Jims invitation to him to take his seat at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Friday 23 April 2004 during a debate on Smart Successful Scotland. Stewart reported that, following the disappointing initial response from business to the letter issued in January seeking their support, he had undertaken 35 follow up telephone calls. These had resulted in the reissue of 12 letters, a consensus that local managers of national businesses were in a difficult position, a string of apologies and a pledge of 1000 from Lochaber Hotels. This follow up exercise will continue. Thank you letters were now being issued to members of the public who were writing in support of the Belford and TBag. A letter has been drafted and will be going out over the coming weeks to 100 Clubs, Groups and Organisations in the area. Car stickers and the TBag calendar will be included with the letter. It was agreed that a bank account be opened at the Bank of Scotland, Fort William and that Donald MacQuarrie and Stewart Maclean be cosignatories. Stewart reported that pledges to date amounted to 10500 as a result of recent pledges from Lochaber Hotels of 1000 and 500 from the Association of Lochaber Community Councils. Donations in kind had also been received from Printsmith. It was noted that donations collected at the Mountain Festival Event on Monday 16 February had amounted to 372.18 and these funds together with 250 from Arjo Wiggins and 200 from the Top Shop Surgery, Acharacle had funded the 4000 car stickers. Stewart reported financial expenditure to date (excluding car stickers) as 522.46 (main items being logo design 117.50, Banners and Placards 134.21, Leaflets 120, secretarial assistance 89.10) It was agreed to investigate the possibility of introducing a Youth Voice to the Group. It was agreed to seek clarification of the release of the Temple2 report. It was agreed to support the installation and operation of the renal unit at the Belford. The next full meeting of the Group will be held on Monday 26 April 2004 at 7 pm in the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William. This meeting will be open to the public.
Notes on the Third TBag meeting held on Wednesday 18 February 2004. Present Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Isabel Campbell Ella Jamieson Olwyn Macdonald Donald MacQuarrie Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy Ian Sykes 10 Members of the Community Lorenzo from 7:84 Theatre Company John Hutchison Apologies Marie Maclean Charles Leeson Payne David Sedgwick Patricia Jordan Mervyn James David Rodger Michael Foxley welcomed Lorenzo of the 7:84 Theatre Company to the meeting. Lorenzo was carrying out research for a play being produced on the subject of Public Services in Scotland. Stewart Maclean presented a two page summary of the Challenges facing the Belford and a possible Action Plan. There was much discussion on the content of this document. Members are to email their comments on the document to Stewart. It was agreed that the Lochaber Medical Community Group would meet and finalise the document. Michael Foxley advised that the Snap Shot of the Belford Hospital Services document had been progressed and would be available for the next meeting. It was agreed that the main differences between the challenges facing the Belford and Central Belt Hospitals were the distances from alternative facilities and the high incidence of Mountain Trauma. John Huchison advised that the planning of the Socio Economic survey, to be lead by Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, was progressing and was not subject to the timetable of the Solutions Group. Michael Foxley considered that there was also a more immediate requirement for specific socio economic issues to be addressed and this may require to be lead by TBag. TBag gave its unanimous support to the new Solutions Group and hoped that solutions, agreeable to all parties, would be produced timeously. The final remit and planned membership of the Solutions Group were discussed. (Gavin Brown had given an advance list of the Solutions Group membership to TBag) The question of representation from the LHCC and RARARI on the Solutions Group was raised as both organisations will cease to exist after 31 March 2004. Stewart Maclean to check this point and revert. It was the unanimous view of TBag that Jim Hunter should be proposed as the independent chair of the Solutions Group. Stewart Maclean to advise Richard Carey. Stewart Maclean presented a draft list of points of administration/organisation which will require to be addressed at the first meeting of the Solutions Group. It was agreed that TBag would invite all Lochaber members of the Solutions Group to a meeting prior to the first meeting of the Solutions Group (First meeting planned for mid March) Isabel Campbell and Sandra Casey will coordinate all arrangements for the lobby of the Labour Party Conference in Inverness on Saturday, 28 February 2004. A meeting of those attending the lobby will be held at Isabels office on Friday, 27 February 2004 at 3pm. The lobby will include placards, leaflets, hospital uniforms, wheelchairs, stretchers etc. Ian Abernethy will assist with press coverage. It was agreed that a similar lobby would be arranged for the Scottish Liberal Party Conference which will be held from 26 to 28 March 2004. It was agreed that a small group from TBag would attend the Working Forum being arranged by the Stobhill Group in Glasgow on Saturday, 6 March 2004. Whilst recognising the extensive coverage and support given by the Lochaber News it was agreed that a more proactive approach was required in order to gain coverage from other press media. In particular it was considered important that coverage in the Oban Times be increased. Stewart Maclean advised that the support register of politicians was almost complete but that 46 letters sent to the Lochaber business community at the end of January seeking support had only resulted in 6 responses to date. This will require further action. A contact and mailing list for groups, clubs, organisations etc was being prepared and to date almost 100 contacts have been entered on our database. It is intended to write to all of these organisations seeking their support. It was agreed that a car sticker be produced with the words Support the Belford and hopefully an internationally recognised H for hospital. This could also be distributed to shops and business premises. It is intended that 5000 stickers be produced. Stewart Maclean is following this through with Nevisprint as they have offered support in kind. TBag have received no further financial pledges and the total financial pledges remains at 9000. John Huchison is following through on the donations made to TBag at the resent Film Festival Event. Financial commitments to date total 268.25. This is mainly secretarial assistance and office supplies. The next full meeting of the Group will be held on Tuesday 23 March 2004 at 7 pm in the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William. This meeting will be open to the public. Notes on the Second TBag meeting held on Tuesday 13 January 2004
Present Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Isabel Campbell Mervyn James Ella Jamieson Patricia Jordan Olwyn Macdonald Donald MacQuarrie Stewart Maclean Brian Murphy David Rodger David Sedgwick Ian Sykes 20 Members of the Community John Hutchison
Apologies Marie Maclean Charles Leeson Payne
David Sedgwick presented an excellent in depth view of the present service provision at the Belford Hospital. It was agreed that this presentation would be further developed and would form the basis of representations across a wide spectrum of political and other influential groups. Michael Foxley and Chris Robinson updated the Group on the work of the Lochaber Medical Group in particular investigations into the promises made to Skye when the Broadford Hospital was down graded, the risk to Raigmore Hospital if they lose the contact with the Belford Hospital, the Viking Report and representations made to NHS Highland regarding the Solutions Group. Stewart Maclean reviewed the correspondence issued and received since the last meeting including letters sent to NHS Highland, all Scottish MEPs , relevant MPs, relevant MSPs, Highland Council, Lochaber Enterprise, Association of Lochaber Community Councils and the Chamber of Commerce. Responses had been received from a number of MPs and MSPs together with Highland Council and Lochaber Enterprise. Particular attention was drawn to the reply received from NHS Highland and the conclusion drawn from the letter that only one Solutions Group would be formed to cover the Belford and Oban hospitals. Stewart Maclean requested that all group members supply names and addresses and contacts for all organisations from whom we should be seeking support. Michael Foxley / Chris Robinson confirmed that further work was being carried out on the following fact sheets: Challenges facing the Belford Hospital Differences from Central Belt Hospitals Audit of Patient Transfers It was, again, unanimously agreed that there should be two Solutions Groups; one dedicated to the challenges facing the Belford Hospital and another to focus on Oban. As NHS Highland were now fully aware of both the Lochaber Medical Groups and Tbags position on this it was agreed to await the imminent release of the draft remit and membership of the Solutions Group prior to deciding the next course of action. It was noted that the Steering Group of the West Highland Health Services Project would be meeting in Fort William on Wednesday 28 January 2004. It was anticipated that the remit for the Solutions Group would be tabled at this meeting. It was announced that a multi agency grouping lead by the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Lochaber Enterprise were commissioning a socio economic survey to evaluate the impact of varying levels of Health Service in the Highlands. It was hoped that NHS Highland would participate in this multi agency group. It was agreed that a briefing sheet be issued to all MSPs in support of George Lyons members motion to be discussed in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 15 January 2004. Group members and the public were urged to contact MSPs to ensure a well attended and informed debate. Brian Murphy agreed to request that the subject be on the agenda of the Scottish Labour Party Conference to be held in Inverness on Friday 27 February 2004. Brain Murphy agreed to look into holding a lunchtime fringe meeting at the Scottish Labour Party Conference on Friday 27 February 2004. Michael Foxley advised that he had tabled the subject for discussion at the Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference. The ongoing TBag column in the Lochaber News was noted The report in the BBC TVs politics show on Sunday 11 January was noted. It was agreed that patients, family and friends testimonials of Belford Hospital experiences be sought through the media. Stewart Maclean advised that a letter to major local employers would be issued next week seeking their support, specific views and funding pledges. It was noted that a presentation on Scottish Mountain Medicine would be held as part of the Mountain Film Festival on Monday 16 February 2004 at 7pm in the Nevis Centre. Everyone was asked to support and promote this event as it would have a focus on the Belford and would be a fundraiser for TBag. The next full meeting of the Group will be held on Wednesday 18 February 2004 at 7 pm in the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William. This meeting will be open to the public. (A meeting of the group was provisionally set for Tuesday 20 January at 1 pm in the Highland Council Chambers. This meeting is contingent on the remit and composition of the Solutions Group being issued on or before that date) ........................................ Notes on the First TBag meeting held on 11 December 2003. Present Michael Foxley Chris Robinson Charles Leeson Payne John Hutchison (part) Olwyn Macdonald Isabel Campbell (part) Patricia Jordan Donald MacQuarrie David Rodger Stewart Maclean Marie Maclean 15 Members of the Community Apologies David Sedgwick Ella Jamieson Ian Sykes Michael Foxley welcomed the group to their first meeting and emphasised the inclusiveness of the group. He advised that the intention was that group membership would be flexible and in this regard invited anyone from the audience wishing to contribute to the group to become a member. Mervyn James joined the Group from the audience. A number of members of the audience indicated a willingness to assist the Group. John Hutchinson indicated his full support for the Group but wished to step back from membership of the Group. Brian Murphy joined the Group to replace John. Michael Foxley proposed that the Group have an informal structure and for the present it was agreed not to have a formal constitution. The objective of the Group was agreed as follows; To ensure that existing standards and levels of service provision at the Belford Hospital are retained, sustained and improved The group welcomed the announcement of the formation of a Solutions Group by NHS Highland but were concerned at the uncertainty over the remit and membership of the group. Michael Foxley advised that he had already written to the Chief Executive of NHS Highland suggesting the formation of an independent group including HIE and an independent facilitator. Michael stressed that all proposals must be rigorously, fairly and impartially reviewed. It was agreed that TBag would write to the Chairman of NHS Highland and request clarification of the remit of the Solutions Group and request that they start with a clean sheet. It was the unanimous view of the Group that the Solutions Group should be addressing the NHS Highland problem. It is understood that the remit of the Solutions Group will not be approved until the February meeting of NHS Highland although the group may begin their work before that time. It was agreed that a fact sheet be produced detailing and explaining in outline the various challenges facing the Belford Hospital. These challenges include The European Working Time Directive The New Consultants Contracts A National Staffing Shortage A Generalist Skills Shortage (Related Training Issues) A Perceived Recruitment Problem GPs opt out of out of hours care from April 2004 Funding Existing Building All forms of Emergency Transportation It is believed that the information for this fact sheet can be gathered using the expertise of the Group and individuals attending the meeting. Other issues raised included: The requirement to maintain a dialogue with Oban and how this could be achieved. The requirement to maintain and improve the out reach facility presently provided to Skye. It was agreed to prepare a snap shot of the Belford Hospital present service provision. It was also agreed that emergency admissions and transfers be monitored over the next few months. It was agreed to prepare a list of how the Belford differs from a Central Belt Hospital. It was agreed to write to every Scottish MEP, and every relevant Highland MSP and MP to inform them of the establishment of TBag and request their support. (The community will be encouraged to write to the MEPs, MP and MSPs) It was agreed to collate a register of support. In this regard it was agreed to write to every organisation and business in the area seeking their support and evidence of the socio economic effect on the organisation/business should the services at the Belford be reduced. It was agreed that an appeal for funds be issued to 50 major employers in the area Michael Foxley will address the HIE Board on Tuesday 16 December on the future of the Belford. Donald MacQuarrie advised that he would raise the issue of the Belford at the next meeting of the Church and Nation Committee. The offer of support from the Editor of the Lochaber News was welcomed and this will be followed through with Ian Abernethy. The next meeting of the Group will be held on Tuesday 13 January 2004 at 7 pm in the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William. This meeting will be open to the public |
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