• Dundee MSP Joins 100,000 Women In 40 Year Cancer Survey

    23Jun

    A groundbreaking survey of 100,000 women in the UK being conducted over the next 40 years into the lifestyle factors which may be involved in the development of breast cancer has enrolled its latest member – Dundee East MSP and Minister for Public Health & Sport Shona Robison.

    The women will be asked to give a blood sample every five years for the next 40 years as part of the Breakthrough Generations Study set up in partnership between Breakthough Breast cancer and the Institute of Cancer Research.

    It is hoped that the ‘long study’ will provide information about lifestyle, environmental, genetic and hormonal factors and helpt to identify the causes of breast cancer.

    Shona Robison said: “It is vital to establish what actually causes breast cancer. Over 4,000 women in Scotland are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 1,000 die from the disease and I am very keen to play my part in this survey which will help to find answers and lead to a significant leap forward in knowledge.

    The MSP, who also participated in the Moonwalk event at the weekend, which raises funds for breast cancer charities, is pictured with Audrey Birt, Scotland Director for Breakthrough cancer after completing the initial questionnaire as part of the study.

  • FUNDING BOOST FOR NHS STAFF PROJECTS

    20Jun

    Projects aimed at improving the health, safety and wellbeing of staff working in the NHS in Scotland are set to benefit from funding totalling 1.5 million pounds.

    Minister for Public Health Shona Robison made the announcement during a speech at the NHSScotland Event in Glasgow today.

    Ms Robison revealed that, from a total of just over one million pounds being allocated, over three hundred thousand pounds of the cash is set to be invested in projects which address violence and aggression against staff.

    In addition to these projects, the remaining money will be used to develop a programme of activity aimed at tackling stress.

    During her speech Ms Robison also paid tribute to the efforts of NHS staff throughout the recent H1N1 outbreak.

    Ms Robison said:

    “The importance of public health has been brought into sharp focus by the recent outbreak of the H1N1 strain of flu and I would like to thank NHS staff in Scotland for their effective and swift response.

    “I am hugely encouraged by the work that is taking place to improve the health of Scotland’s people. A healthier Scotland is a better Scotland and NHS staff are working on the frontline in order to deliver this.

    “I am also delighted to be announcing the successful projects set to receive funding from the Working Well Challenge Fund. Alongside existing initiatives these will help to ensure that staff can continue to work towards our shared goal of improving the nation’s health in a safe working environment.”

    After the speech Ms Robison paid a visit to the Cooking Bus which has taken up residence at the SECC until Thursday.

    Staff from Yorkhill’s dietetic and education department are on board and working with various groups of children, including a group of diabetics and young people suffering from a metabolic disorder, to teach them how to cook simple healthy meals which are suitable for their diets.

  • MINISTER MEETS THE HOCKEY STARS

    16Jun
    Picture shows L-R: Brent Deans, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Hockey, Becky Ward, Shona Robison MSP, Minister of Public Health & Sport, Lee Cousins, President of Scottish Hockey, Vikki Bunce, Ian Strachan (trainer).

    Picture shows L-R: Brent Deans, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Hockey, Becky Ward, Shona Robison MSP, Minister of Public Health & Sport, Lee Cousins, President of Scottish Hockey, Vikki Bunce, Ian Strachan (trainer).

    Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison MSP met up with some of Scotland’s finest hockey stars at Dundee International Sports Centre as they prepared for the European Championships in August.

    The Minister visited a training session run by the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport, part of a country-wide network which supports Scottish athletes to achieve world class performances, to meet players and officials of Scottish Hockey.

    Scottish Hockey received almost £877,000 investment this year including an award to prepare teams for the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014.

    Shona met Becky Ward and Vikki Bunce, two of Scotland’s hockey stars and spoke with Brent Deans and Lee Cousins, officials of Scottish Hockey.

    The Sports Minister said: “I am very pleased that our hockey players are supported by regional facilities like the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport which helps to develop top players and to produce international class athletes here in Scotland.

    “I was pleased to meet Vikki and Becky and trainer Ian Strachan and to hear of the quality of the training. It is marvellous to see the enthusiasm of amateur sportsmen and women who commit themselves to full training schedules after a full day’s work. I have fgreat admiration for them and believe that their motivation will lead to grat results for Scottish teams.”

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