ALLAN REACTS TO REPORT ON STATE OF GAELIC IN ISLANDS
Alasdair Allan MSP has written to John Swinney, the Minister for Gaelic, expressing his concerns about the language’s future in island communities.
‘The Gaelic Crisis in the Vernacular Communities’, published last week, assesses language usage where Gaelic is spoken as a community language. The research calls for a review of public planning and policy..
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
“This new research presents a stark picture of Gaelic’s future in our communities and it is important that we take the time and energy to fully consider its analysis. The message of the report is challenging, and at times painful, for Gaelic speakers.
I have written to John Swinney, the Minister with responsibility for Gaelic. Going forward, we must make every effort to engage all sides of the debate to move to solve this crisis collectively. The Gaelic language, and the culture and identity which it underpins are of irreplaceable importance to the Western Isles and Scotland more widely. We cannot afford to fail our last remaining Gaelic-speaking communities.”
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 8th July 2020
COMHAIRLE’S CROWN ESTATE REVENUE ALLOCATION
Comhairle nan Siar Leader, Roddie Mackay, has welcomed the announcement that the Comhairle’s share of the Crown Estate, net revenue for 2018/19, will be £2.3M. This sum is a £600k increase, from the £1.7m received last year for 2017/18 and is a result, of the Comhairle’s continued engagement with both the UK and Scottish Governments.
Cllr Roddie Mackay, said: “This latest announcement on the increase for the 2018/19 allocation is very welcome and will allow us to have further dialogue with communities, on how we can support each other and the services which we all need and value, during these challenging times.”
“Decisions on the 2017/18 projects will be made this month and I will also be proposing, that the Comhairle agrees how to allocate the funding from 2018/19, in August, so that communities can benefit from this funding as soon as practicably possible.”
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 7th July 2020
NHS WESTERN ISLES LAUNCHES NEW IMPROVED WEBSITE
Sunday, 5th July marked the 72nd Anniversary of the NHS, as well as 2020 also marking the 72nd year of the social care system. To mark these remarkable milestones, more so significant during these current times, NHS Western Isles announced the launch of its new website at: www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk
The 'Looking Back' section celebrates the 72nd Anniversary and the rich history of healthcare and the NHS in the Outer Hebrides, this includes nursing careers and stories, photo gallery, video archive, and useful links.
Visitors to the new website will find changes with user-friendly navigation, increased service listings, useful information and rich content. The new and improved website, boasting a clean design, features images representing the islands from throughout the Outer Hebrides, and offers easy access to essential and accurate information.
The front landing page features three important new sections titled ‘I am a Patient’, ‘I am a Carer’ and ‘I am a Visitor’ to help individuals find the information relevant to them, at the right time.
This includes patients being able to access information relating to their Outpatient appointments or Inpatient stay, carers being able to access help and support for themselves and the person they look after, whilst visitors can access information on hospital facilities, refreshments and what they must do if they plan on visiting during the coronavirus pandemic.
As well as including the ‘Near Me’ virtual appointment system, maternity services, dental health, patient travel and virtual visiting, the revised ‘Our Services’ section features a wide range of newly added services offering an overview of each team.
This includes who teams are aimed at, services each offers, location(s), referral methods, patient information literature and links, and their direct contact details. Newly added services includes Nurse-led services, sexual health services, substance misuse, chaplaincy and spiritual care, and work and health.
They have also made it easier for visitors looking to get more involved within their local health service, from finding out about current consultation and engagement to volunteering, and submitting feedback. In addition, anyone looking to apply for a job with NHS Western Isles is encouraged to visit the new section ‘Working, Studying and Volunteering’. All items can be found in the ‘Get Involved’ section.
As well as links to our social media (Facebook and Twitter) channels, the site also features a link to the Vimeo platform, where all films which have been produced by, or in partnership with, NHS Western Isles can be viewed.
The new site also links to the local coronavirus website (www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot), where information relating to COVID-19 can separately be found. You can explore the new site at www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 6th July 2020
