26/5/2008Survey set to get views on the NHS
PEOPLE in Anniesland are to be asked what they want from the health service.
The constituency's MSP Bill Butler is setting up a survey with the aim of getting at least 1000 responses.
He wants people's views on a range of issues including charges for hospital car parking, NHS24, what can be done to improve services, how to make heath boards more accountable, and pay and conditions for hospital staff.
Mr Butler said: "These are issues which people should have their say on and, when the results are analysed, I'll send the findings to the Government."
He said there had been improvements in Scotland's health service since devolution but there were still big challenges to be met.
"The government has to be held to account on how it's going to meet people's concerns,”"Mr Butler added.
"For example, I think people might say they want greater involvement in health boards' decision-making and the government has an ideal chance to do that in its Public Health bill."
Despite substantial backing, Mr Butler suffered a defeat in the Scottish Parliament last year when he tried to introduce legislation which would have meant the majority of members of Scotland's area health boards would be elected by the public.
Mr Butler has tabled a parliamentary motion, which he hopes will be debated early next month, marking the 60th anniversary of the NHS, launched on July 5 1948 by the Labour Health Minister Aneurin Bevan.
His motion urges people throughout Scotland to become involved in events to mark the anniversary, including those organised by NHS Greater Glasgow and the Evening Times.
Mr Butler is setting up a freepost service for people who want to take part in the survey. Downloadable forms will be made available shortly.