Listen and learn

November 3rd, 2008

One of the great things about working in the Scottish Parliament is that you get to meet a lot of different people from all backgrounds with interesting stories to tell.

The parliament is used to showcase a number of causes and groups that otherwise might not register on the radar on the country’s politicians.

Last week, for example, I was able to meet with people involved with Energy Action Scotland to hear what steps are being taken to tackle fuel poverty in these difficult times.

And with Remembrance Day coming soon, I spoke with fundraisers from the Poppy Appeal when they visited aswell.

But the most interesting event turned out to be a briefing organised by Bliss, an excellent charity that provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK.

Given that Inverclyde's number of low weight babies is above the Scottish average, the work of Bliss is very important to our community.

I had the opportunity of speaking to a leading consultant pediatrician, which opened my eyes to an issue that could have consequences closer to home.

I found out that specialist units in Scotland are under so much pressure they  having to close to new admissions because of staff shortages, mainly neonatal nurses.

With one in seven babies needing specialist care, it is a concern that last year saw a shortfall of 140 neonatal nurses.

It is certainly an issue that Bliss are right to campaign on and I am happy to lend them my support.

It just goes to show that parliamentary politics isn’t always about commitees and being in the chamber – it is important that we MSPs engage with people outside of the parliamentary bubble we operate in.

Listening and learning, whether it be from constituents or those who are delivering frontline services, is just as important as speeches and votes.