action needed to tackle mental health stigma
I've called for a step change in support for people struggling with mental ill health as a new survey found that people with mental health problems and other “invisible” illnesses worry about telling others about their conditions.
Read moreSupport needed to sustain social care
I've called on the Scottish Government to support social work after an Audit Scotland report found services will not be sustainable in the long term.
Read moreTime to get to grips with supporting A&E services
The Scottish Government have announced an extra £9 million funding for A&E services.
Read moreDepression figures show need for mental health boost
I've called for a transformational investment in mental health services after new figures revealed 20% of adults reported one or more symptoms of depression – a 43% increase since 2008/09.
Read moreStrain on waistbands will strain NHS
I've warned that Scotland is losing the battle of the bulge as new figures revealed waist sizes in Scotland are increasing and two thirds of adults are overweight.
Read moreAction needed to cut physiotherapy waiting times
I've called for action to cut waiting times for physiotherapy and other musculoskeletal services provided by allied health professionals.
Read moreGP funding boost needed
I've called for urgent action to boost primary care as new figures from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) suggested that Scotland is losing a GP every eight days.
Read moreLib Dems reveal two year wait time for mental health treatment
I've called for support for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to be doubled as the party revealed children in Edinburgh treated for mental ill health in 2015/16 waited more than two years to be seen.
Read moreOctober Update
This past week parties across the Chamber united to defeat the SNP. Alongside my Liberal Democrat colleagues I supported Labour’s motion which urged the government to call in proposals to close or downgrade NHS services. I used my speech to pay tribute to the work of campaigners and to call on the Health Secretary to enlist us as champions for the redesign of services. You can watch my speech in full here. Amongst all the excitement it's important to remember that had we not won Edinburgh Western, the SNP would now have a majority and what happened - put simply - would not have been possible.
Read moreEdinburgh Airport Flight Path Consultation
Edinburgh Airport’s airspace change programme consultation
A response prepared by Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP for Edinburgh Western
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