Emma Roddick has challenged the Labour Party on their demand for the Scottish Government to immediately end all non-residential social care charges in Scotland, claiming it to be unrealistic. Commenting Roddick said: “I strongly believe that all health services should be free and not based on your ability to pay or where you live. Representing [...]

SNP MSP for the Highlands & Islands, Emma Roddick, took the opportunity to seek reassurances around healthcare provision for LGBTQIA+ people living in rural and island communities in her region during this week’s meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.  The committee continued its Stage 1 inquiry into the Gender [...]

Following leading a debate last month on LGBTQI+ alcohol harm and this week attending a Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) parliamentary event, Emma Roddick has made further calls to the Scottish Government to ensure alcohol services more effectively support LGBTQ+ people. The Highlands and Islands MSP attended a Parliament event [9 JUNE] held [...]

“Given we are more likely to experience harm, it is vital that alcohol services are equipped to specifically support LGBTQI+ people.” SNP MSP Emma Roddick led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the LGBTQI+ community’s experience of alcohol services in Scotland. The debate was prompted by cross-party support for a motion by the Highlands [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick, who has previously raised concern over the decision to move the Nairn booster vaccination programme to Inverness has today been assured by NHS Highland that some clinics will still take place in Nairn. Roddick commented: “It is my understanding that those who have been invited for their Spring boosters [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has emphasised the importance of continued regular handwashing in maintaining continued resistance to spread of viral and bacterial infections. Speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate on antimicrobial resistance, the SNP MSP pointed out that handwashing carries far less risk of encouraging bacteria to develop a resistance than constant use [...]

SNP MSP EMMA RODDICK WELCOMES NEWS INVESTMENT IN EARLY INTERVENTION AND FAMILY SUPPORT Orkney will benefit from nearly £288,207 of new investment to support people affected by drugs and alcohol including earlier intervention and better family support.  This is part of a nationwide announcement by the SNP Scottish Government. A total of 77 initiatives the [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick praised the mental health support work developed by Penumbra at their Edinburgh Crisis Centre and called for a similar model to be rolled out across the country, including in the Highlands and Islands. The Edinburgh Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provides [...]

SNP MSP for the Highlands & Islands, Emma Roddick, has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament which recognises the efforts of the Crocus Group in supporting children and young people living with the grief of having lost a loved one. It comes as the Crocus Group mark four years since the beginning of their [...]

Emma Roddick has today raised the issue of mental health services in the Highlands and Islands by asking the Scottish Government to provide an update on the Distress Brief Intervention programme, highlighting the need for island and rural communities to have equal access to crisis services. The pilot project, which was launched in the Highlands [...]