Issues around flu vaccination programme

Autumn is well and truly with us now and I must admit it is my favourite season. The colours of nature amaze me every year and I am constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful country as Scotland.

We are all going through difficult times as the Coronavirus does not seem to be abating, but it will pass and we have to stick with the safety measures we all know about to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Our individual, but collective, efforts will help to eliminate this virus eventually. I know it is tough, but we will get through it.

My office team have been dealing with an unprecedented number of enquiries, many relating to Covid-19 and now, with winter approaching, there are issues around the flu vaccination process. It is essential that as many people as possible do get the flu jab this year, for obvious reasons relating to the Coronavirus, particularly those at high risk and the elderly.

The vaccination roll-out plan for East Dunbartonshire was initiated by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board in conjunction with the local Health and Social Care Partnership. Because of the programme’s expansion, and the pandemic, there are logistical issues with large numbers of people attending their local GP surgery to receive it.

However, I have been contacted by elderly constituents wondering why they are having to wait longer than other age groups, with many having to travel a few miles to a hub for the vaccination.

As I write, I await clarification of why this has happened and hope that by the time you read this the situation will have improved.

Please be assured that my office team will do everything they can to help.

I am currently in autumn Parliamentary recess but I’m using this time to catch up many constituency issues on my list.

When Parliament resumes at the end of this month, we have a mountain of legislative and committee work to get through before Christmas. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day!

Before recess, I asked questions in Parliament relating to the long-awaited provision of fibre broadband in Baldernock and the surrounding area, and the recent flooding problems in Lennoxtown.

I received encouraging responses from the respective Ministers, but will keep my eye on both issues, among others in the constituency.

During the first week back after recess I am leading a Member’s Debate to acknowledge National Adoption Week.

I have hosted events for Adoption and Fostering in Parliament since being elected and this is always a very worthwhile and enjoyable occasion.

Anything that can promote the amazing work our adoption and fostering agencies do to give children a happy, stable home is so worth it in my view.

Finally, I’d like to say how happy I am that my amazing colleague and friend, Amy Callaghan MP, is home from hospital and recovering well. She will return stronger than ever and I know that she has the best wishes of hundreds of people in East Dunbartonshire and beyond.

She will be a strong voice at Westminster for her constituents – I know how determined she is!

As always, my office is open although we are working remotely.

My surgeries have moved online using Zoom, so please email if you would like an appointment.

Please get in touch if there is anything my team and I can help you with – we are here for you. You can contact us by calling 0141 776 1561 or by emailing [email protected].