Maternity again

[lynne duncan]

I,m amazed that the last topic sparked that big a discussion and it made interesting reading.
Now what happns next.
When do we hear what is going to happen?
Or are they just going to go ahead and then tell us later?
Any ideas. :confused
And a good new year to everyone when it arrives.. :)

[Anonymous]

Flipping heck you trying to start ww4 again, them selfs will be out with there big words, and we will get no where, as we did last time :evil [lol]
Come on boys tells whats going to happen to our maturnity ward, but this try and do it without rewriting WAR & Pice, tell us why they are shuting it down, i no you both no why its to be shut, now tell the world.
Lots of love.
Sir George Of Dunbeath [lol] [lol] [evil]

[Bill Fernie]

As far as we know Professor Calder's report wil not be out until some time in February 2004.
Meantime folk should not be discouraged and if you were thinking about writing a lettter or emailing the health board or politicians in Edinburgh then still do so. No matter what the report might say this is a fundamental issue and the decisions once made will affect the lives of many people in rural areas for decades to come. Politicians must make the final decisions as the implications are both on health and financial.
This issue also might be covered by some fundamental attitudes towards equality of service and treatment. Whilst we all agree that many specialised services can only be made available in centres of excellence few would expect to have to travel great distances for their start in life which will in any cases not be possible unless mothers known to have problems are already taken into maternity units far in advance.
So keep writing those letters. We may often think that it does no good but in this situation many have already written and the weigh and volume will tell in the end.
And if not the ballot box looms albeit three years away.

[Fifi]

Gents,

We are all on the same side here! Your posts have been very interesting and, in some cases enlightning, but maybe you could put your considerable knowledge to better effect by forming a committee to formulate some alternative solutions to this problem in time for any potential public consulatation. It would be quite impressive if the people of Caithness and North Sutherland were able to present a united front and some feasible ideas.

As Niall rightly said we need to be sure of our subject matter here - the question is about downgrading, not closure, so that brings a slightly different focus to the campaign.

From my personal point of view - I would like to know what would actually happen to other consultant-led services e.g. gynae clinics in the area. At the moment (well, up until 2 more consultants left) the waiting time was not unreasonable. However, the waiting time for an appointment at Raigmore is currently upwards of 6 months for a consultant! Would all women be added to this list and expected to haul themselves down to Inverness, or would we get a consultant on 'rotation' and be subject to a once a month (or less) service?

Our services seem to be slipping away by stealthy means - the ultrasound scanner at Thurso went 'out of commission' some months ago, already forcing patients through to Wick and making a 1/2 hour appointment into a 2 hour one. As another issue we maybe need to flag up all areas where our services are inadequate and all of this info needs to go to the Scottish Parliament. By the way, I think our MPs really are behind this issue and we should be supporting and communicating with them instead of flinging cheap insults at them.

[JAWS]

Does anybody have any details of the Meeting at Wick Assembly Rooms on Wed 28 Jan?

[lynne duncan]

the meeting is at 7.30 Jennifer Spence and Donnie Mackay have called it, aim to set up an action group to carrying on campaigning
(ie to get it through the powers that be's heids that if me and you at street level can see that its asking for trouble why can't they!!!)
AND HOPEFULLY ANY ONE WHO READS THIS WILL COME ALONG TOO! STAYATHOMEITIS WON'T HELP THE MATERNITY UNIT.....

[muts]

well just look at the weather , just think of the consiquences if there is no maternity unit!!!!!!

[mysophales]

Someone (Bill cough cough) should take some photographs and send them to Professor Calder, let him see how bad weather conditions can get up here.

[frank ward]

There is a Public Meeting in Wick at 2pm on the afternoon of Saturday 7th February, in Wick Assembly Rooms

The theme is 'Maternity Unit - which way forward?'

The meeting is organised by the Scottish Socialist Party and is an open forum.

The main speakers are JAMIE STONE MSP and CAROLYN LECKIE MSP

Invitations have also been sent to the League of Friends and the Trades Council.

The meeting has been timed at 2pm to allow full participation by those not able to attend midweek meetings.

In view of the weather forcing cancellation of the initial Action Group meeting last week, this is an ideal opportunity for such a group to be launched.

Jamie Stone (LibDems) is already known to many in the area as the local MSP. Carolyn Leckie is one of 6 socialist MSPs elected in May. A midwife, she is the SSP's spokeswoman on Health. As chari of her UNISON branch she saw union membership double and led a successful strike against the multinational Sodexho, winning substantial wage increases for hundreds of low-paid workers.

That such people of widely different political opinions are ready to share a platform on this issue is an indication of the strength of feeling.

I appeal to everyone to attend the meeting, hear suggestions and ideas for action, participate in the discussion.

Thank You

Frank Ward
SSP Caithness & Sutherland Branch
(01862 811233)

[lynne duncan]

the meeting on Saturday regarding the maternity unit. Who else will be attending and what will the format be ie who will be speaking and any other details?? :confused

AND also this applies as well to the other meeting on Wednesday 10th March the rearranged one from the previous week? :confused

Is there going to be a 2 pronged approach to the fight against the downgrading Or are the people who are arranging the Saturday and Wednesday discussions going to join forces? :confused

[frank ward]

The Public Meeting on Saturday is an open forum to boost the campaign.
We have speakers from Thurso & Wick Trades Council, Caroline Leckie MSP, Jamie Stone MSP, and others. There has been great interest in this. It is expected to be a good and vibrant meeting.
Jamie Stone himself recognises the importance of this meeting.
There is no fixed agenda, but will probably be along these lines: Speakers, questions, open discussion and ideas from the floor, decision about starting a committee, electing that committee, arranging next meeting.

Because of the Press interest there is a press conference after the meeting if the speakers wish to be interviewed.

The SSP will be suggesting some campaigning tactics that can be implemented before the Calder Report is published.


Frank Ward
Caithness & Sutherland SSP