LABOUR - MONIQUE MacADAMS

The Health Service is precious to us all. It doesn’t belong to any individual or party. Under the SNP, we are sleep-walking into a health crisis.

The recent developments at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital are nothing short of disgraceful. With more families coming forward, I fear we are only scratching the surface of this scandal.

Historically, it has been Labour who have provided the NHS with record investment. If elected, Labour are promising to replicate these levels of investment once again.

This will tackle problems of understaffing, inadequate facilities and patients struggling to get something as simple as a GP appointment.

The health service continues to deliver despite mismanagement. This is wholly attributable to the magnificent efforts of an overstretched and underpaid workforce. Labour will restore dignity to our NHS.

One issue I’ve been involved with is promoting the use of medicinal cannabis to help the thousands who face debilitating illnesses. At present they are being denied access to free prescriptions for a medicine which can provide a better quality of life.

A case close to my heart is that of a boy from East Kilbride, Cole Thomson. Cole’s mother has spent thousands of pounds sourcing cannabis from abroad.

This is not a unique story, with many families in Scotland doing the same. Cole’s life has been transformed by this and by the determination of his mother.

I have campaigned with Cole’s mother and others, signing a cross-party letter asking the Health Secretary to approve this medicine on the NHS.

Unfortunately, Dr Lisa Cameron did not lend her support to this letter.

For Cole’s sake and for the many thousands of patients and staff, I would ask for your vote to help put the heart back into our NHS.