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Summer surgery tour gets rolling again for Ross


By Alan Beresford

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IT was time to get back on the summer surgery trail for Moray MP Douglas Ross as he began his two-week tour of the constituency.

Douglas Ross MP MSP consults his notes after the summer surgery session in Clochan. Picture: Beth Taylor
Douglas Ross MP MSP consults his notes after the summer surgery session in Clochan. Picture: Beth Taylor

With a total of 45 dates taking in communities large and small in the diary between August 15-26 it was a welcome return for the tour after a Covid-enforced break of two years.

Speaking after his surgery session in Clochan Community Centre, Mr Ross said: "It's great to be back doing in person surgeries, it was one of the biggest misses for me during the Covid pandemic.

"In some ways the pandemic made communicating with constituents easier through the likes of Zoom calls but for me nothing beats being able to meet people face-to-face in their own communities.

"Although it's early days there've been a breadth of issues raised so far.

"Health care has been a major one, in particular difficulties in seeing a GP, getting referrals to specialists and operations which have been delayed due to the pandemic.

"The ongoing situation with Dr Gray's is a worry and it's clear that the level of maternity care being offered at the hospital is unacceptable. No-one should be forced to travel to Aberdeen or Inverness while in labour.

"It comes down to a lack of investment by NHS Grampian, Dr Gray's has consistently received less funding for years for a hospital of its size. Moray needs Dr Gray's with the facilities it used to have.

"It's also a worry that people who are considering relocating to Moray will perhaps see the reducing level of NHS services here and decide not to come."

Alongside health-related issues Mr Ross said the cost of living crisis had also featured heavily among members of the public who came to see him, as did anti-social behaviour in various communities across the region. the MP said that in the latter case he was working with the are police commander to find a resolution to the situation.

Mr Ross was also keen to highlight some of the many ways a local MP or MSP can help their constituents.

He continued: "By the time many people come to see their MP they are often at their wits' end, they feel they have exhausted every other avenue open to them.

"We quite often deal with cases which are complex, difficult and very personal.

"People tend not to be aware of how we can help and are amazed when they learn what we can do and the difference an intervention from an MP or MSP can make. It's a shame sometimes that it has to come to an MP getting involved to resolve a situation but we can and do make a difference.

"We're fortunate that every UK government department has a dedicated hotline for MPs and MSPs to call. If it's an issue that falls under the UK government I'm in the fortunate position that I can pick up the phone to the relevant minister, if needs be."

Mr Ross went on to praise his constituency office team, who are based in Forres, for all their work in preparing for the summer surgery tour.

His team can be contacted by phoning (01309) 679253 or emailing douglas.ross.mp@Parliament.uk


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