Author: johnrobertson834

Retired Professor of Media Politics Not-for-profit independent political analysis
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Why did cancer mortality drop in the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022 if the Daily Record’s contrary claims are true?

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The Daily Record today, has: Cancelled cancer appointments during Covid led to ‘loss of life in Scotland’ – Pausing bowel cancer screening appointments in Scotland during Covid-19 led to missed and late diagnoses, longer waits for colorectal cancer treatment and ultimately loss of life, an inquiry heard. The UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry’ has heard how millions of people had non-urgent operations cancelled during the pandemic. The claim comes from, as far as I can see, no actual figures, but just the views of the Chair, Baroness Heather Hallett when she said: The lack of screening for colorectal cancer, for example, led to missed and … Continue reading Why did cancer mortality drop in the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022 if the Daily Record’s contrary claims are true?

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Guardian’s Scotland Editor platforms Holyrood’s third party as the main and only opposition to Reform UK when polls make it clear the SNP is that

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Severin Carrell, the Guardian‘s ‘Scotland Editor‘ has this today: Reform UK has suspended one of its Scottish candidates after it emerged he had been struck off as a company director, and the party faces growing attacks for fielding candidates making Islamophobic remarks. Reform confirmed on Friday morning it had suspended Stuart Niven, its candidate for Dundee City West, after the Herald revealed he had been struck off after diverting tens of thousands of pounds of Covid grants into his personal account. Several hours after that admission, claims within Reform’s Scottish manifesto that it could save billions of pounds in Holyrood spending were … Continue reading Guardian’s Scotland Editor platforms Holyrood’s third party as the main and only opposition to Reform UK when polls make it clear the SNP is that

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NINE ways Scotland handled the Covid-19 pandemic better than the rest of the UK

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The Guardian today, with no reference to Scotland of course, has: The NHS “teetered on the brink of collapse” during the Covid pandemic and only managed to survive thanks to the “superhuman” efforts of healthcare workers, an official inquiry has concluded. In a damning assessment of how the UK’s healthcare systems dealt with the unprecedented pressure of the pandemic, the Covid-19 inquiry chair, Heather Hallett, said the impact of the virus was “devastating” due to the NHS being in a “parlous state” before the outbreak. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/19/superhuman-healthcare-workers-saved-nhs-from-collapse-covid-inquiry-concludes Is this true of Scotland’s experience? ‘Scotland’s’ media and opposition parties want it to be so it is, … Continue reading NINE ways Scotland handled the Covid-19 pandemic better than the rest of the UK

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Miscarriage patient support – Scotland leads the way but media choose not to follow

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From the Scottish Government News at 11.37am today, which all self-respecting journalist can easily follow: Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information about the care and support they can expect from the NHS. The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy’s, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the rights and entitlements women should receive during and following a miscarriage. It builds on the Scottish Government’s Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care, which is changing the … Continue reading Miscarriage patient support – Scotland leads the way but media choose not to follow

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SNP vote in May Holyrood election could be weakened by mistaken polling envelope suggesting photo ID required

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The front and back of the envelope I received with my Ayr Constituency and South Scotland Region poll card today. Photo ID is NOT required for Scottish parliamentary or local council elections. Why does this matter? There is official UK research and analysis, including from the Electoral Commission in May 2023, showing that photo ID requirements create disproportionate barriers for certain disadvantaged groups, leading to reduced voting participation among them. This includes lower rates of acceptable photo ID ownership, lower awareness of the rules, higher rates of being turned away at polling stations, and self-reported deterrence from voting. https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/research-reports-and-data/our-reports-and-data-past-elections-and-referendums/voter-id-may-2023-local-elections-england-interim-analysis Why … Continue reading SNP vote in May Holyrood election could be weakened by mistaken polling envelope suggesting photo ID required

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A major new study counters ‘deluge of negativity, accusations and downright lies’ about NHS Scotland

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By Jim Mennie The Meidas Scotland  ‘Have Your Say’ survey created to gather feedback on Scottish NHS experiences — Scottish NHS: Your Stories Matter — has gathered over 400 responses in a matter of weeks and is already generating valuable insight.  The survey link – https://meidasscotland.eaction.org.uk/hospitals Meidas Scotland – https://www.facebook.com/people/Meidas-Scotland/61573925276612/ https://x.com/MeidasScotland and https://bsky.app/profile/sovereign.scothttps://www.instagram.com/meidasscotland/https://www.tiktok.com/@meidasscotlandhttps://free-scotland.scot/ I created this survey after becoming furious at the sheer deluge of negativity, accusations and downright lies coming from some politicians and parts of the mainstream Scottish media. Enough was enough — if they weren’t going to tell the truth, then I’d ask the public directly. I wanted the … Continue reading A major new study counters ‘deluge of negativity, accusations and downright lies’ about NHS Scotland

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BBC Scotland’s Sad Mould Alert! – Construction/renovation accounts for 50% of mould outbreaks, easily cleared up, zero deaths in UK

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Gleefully headlined today by BBC Scotland, another hospital mould story. The last time they had such fun was with hospital pigeon poo: Wall panels and insulation at two new Aberdeen hospital facilities have had to be ripped out because of mould before the buildings receive their first patients. Infection control teams sounded the alarm at the Baird Family Hospital and The Anchor Centre cancer unit after construction materials were allowed to get wet, BBC Scotland News has learned. The experts warned that dormant mould spores could reactivate when the overbudget and delayed facilities finally open, posing a health hazard for … Continue reading BBC Scotland’s Sad Mould Alert! – Construction/renovation accounts for 50% of mould outbreaks, easily cleared up, zero deaths in UK