Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Biomedical Science Day is taking place today (Thursday 8th June) and Martin Whitfield MSP is adding his thanks to the UK's dedicated biomedical laboratory staff for their vital role #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare. Now in its seventh year, Biomedical Science Day is the biggest annual celebration of biomedical scientists and laboratory staff, with hundreds of NHS hospitals and private healthcare laboratories organising events in their local hospitals or schools to raise awareness of their vital work. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "Biomedical scientists and laboratory staff undertake a really crucial role in our healthcare system, but one which often goes largely unseen by the [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is backing a call for co-ordinated action to improve care and support for people living with a neurological condition in Scotland. Neurological conditions affect the brain, spine or nervous system - and about 1 in 6 people in Scotland live with one. They are the third biggest cause of illness in Scotland, but a recent Neurological Alliance of Scotland survey of over 800 people exposed significant shortfalls in mental wellbeing support, delays to accessing vital treatment and care and a lack of information and support at diagnosis. Mr Whitfield is joining colleagues in amplifying the voices of [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP was joined by Anas Sarwar MSP and Douglas Alexander at today's Our Community Kitchen fundraising event at Knox Academy in Haddington. The Indian themed cultural event was organised to raise funds to support the important work of Our Community Kitchen, which helps tackle loneliness and isolation in the Haddington area. Commenting after the event, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I was really delighted to join Anas and Douglas at this brilliant community event for such a worthwhile and important cause. The organisers did a fantastic job putting on such a big and well attended event, but special thanks [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has congratulated and thanked the winners and nominees at this year's East Lothian Inspiring Volunteer Awards at the Fraser Centre in Tranent. Organised by Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL), the awards were held at the start of this year's Volunteers' Week and recognise the efforts of outstanding local volunteers in a range of categories. Mr Whitfield presented the Environmental and Education award, which was won by Alan Hamilton. Other category winners included: Community Volunteer of the Year: Angie Fraser Health & Wellbeing Volunteer of the Year: David Dickson Outstanding Trustee of the Year: Mary MacLeod Volunteer Team [...]

Since the Scottish Borders RNID Near You service was launched in February, the team has been busy recruiting volunteers and setting up their monthly hearing loss drop-in sessions, which are now set to launch. At these free sessions, RNID's friendly volunteers can help with: Information on hearing loss and tinnitus, Maintenance of NHS hearing aids and basic repairs, Information on how to access support and other services, A hearing check for those who think they may have hearing loss. The first four sessions, in Kelso, Galashiels, Lauder, and Jedburgh start in June, with further sessions in Hawick, Peebles and Eyemouth [...]

Commenting on the news that the Bank of Scotland’s Dunbar branch is set to close next year, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “This is yet another banking blow for East Lothian, which will leave a third local town without any bank branch. My sympathy is with the staff and customers who will be affected by this latest closure. "Once again, this will make it harder for many business and individual customers to conduct their banking and place additional pressure on local post offices. “It is clear that the steady withdrawal of local banking services is going to continue and we need [...]