Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain has expressed his frustration with the SNP’s Health Secretary following her refusal to meet to discuss the serious concerns raised by Highland GPs regarding the vaccine rollout.
Edward Mountain MSP was advised by the Cabinet Secretary’s office that the Health Secretary is extremely busy and that queries should be sent in writing instead.
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“Only just this week the First Minister advised MSPs to stop raising constituency issues with her and resolve matters themselves.
“So it is hugely frustrating that the SNP Health Secretary, having been alerted to this urgent issue by my office, has now refused to meet with me because she is too busy.
“It is unacceptable that the Cabinet Secretary won’t find the time to engage with MSPs from opposing parties regarding urgent health matters within their region.
“A number of Highland GPs have contacted me to raise their serious concerns about the speed of the vaccine rollout and how it could be accelerated.
“With the Scottish Parliament hardly functioning as normal due to the lockdown, how are MSPs meant to raise local concerns and hold the SNP Government to account when Ministers refuse to talk.
“This is an affront to our health workers who are on the frontline delivering the vaccine.
“However, this will not diminish my determination to press the SNP Government to ensure Highlanders receive the vaccine as swiftly and efficiently as possible.”
