McMillan Welcomes Launch of Dementia Strategy

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the launch of Scotland's National Dementia Strategy by the Minister for Public Health Shona Robison MSP.

The strategy lays out eight specific actions to support improvements in the care and treatment of people with dementia, focusing particularly on improving the support given in the wake of a dementia diagnosis and improving hospital care. It also commits the Scottish Government to continuing its support for dementia research.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the launch of Scotland's National Dementia Strategy which sets out the Scottish Government's plans to care for people with dementia.

"I was delighted to speak in the Scottish Parliament in support of a Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers and to also give the opening speech at Living positively with dementia' Conference in Inverclyde last year.

"I believe it was vital that dementia is recognized nationally and that Scotland's older people get the necessary care they need and require, therefore, the launch of this strategy acknowledges the action required to support people with dementia, something I fully support."

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Alzheimer Support Group to Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed Alzheimer Scotland's Inverclyde dementia support group to the Scottish Parliament for a tour of the building and the opportunity to sit in the visitors gallery and watch proceedings.

Mr McMillan invited the group to the Parliament after recently attending the Alzheimer café which meets at Wellpark Mid Kirk. Alongside this, Mr McMillan recently signed the Charter of Rights for People with Dementia and their Carers and gave the opening speech to a Dementia Conference in Inverclyde on 5th June which coincided with Dementia Awareness Week.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to invite Alzheimer Scotland's Inverclyde dementia support group to the Scottish Parliament building and offer them a tour and to witness the proceedings from the visitors gallery.

"Since my first meeting with the group, in May 2009, I have been able to work closely with the members and was delighted to give the opening speech at the Dementia Conference in Inverclyde on 5th June and to also visit the Alzheimer café at Wellpark Mid Kirk.

"Alongside this, I was proud to sign the Charter of Rights for People with Dementia and their Carers when it came to the Scottish Parliament.

"Therefore, I was more than happy to invite the members to the Parliament and show them around the building as it is their parliament and it's important to give people the opportunity to witness it first-hand.

"I hope the members had an enjoyable visit and I am sure I will continue to work closely with them in the future."

Vaughan Jones, Dementia Support & Development Worker - Inverclyde said;

"The Inverclyde Dementia support group were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the Scottish Parliament and I know the members thoroughly enjoyed their time in Edinburgh.

"We value Stuart's interest and support and look forward to working closely with him in the future."

McMillan Speaks in Charter Rights for People with Dementia Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament debate on Charter Rights for People with Dementia. Alongside this, Mr McMillan also signed the charter which was in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of this important issue.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak in the Charter Rights for People with Dementia debate in the Scottish Parliament, and to also sign the Charter.

"It's important that we acknowledge this important issue and raise awareness, nationwide, that it's on the increase.

"Therefore, I was pleased to hear that the Scottish Government has given a commitment to making dementia a national priority for Scotland and will produce a strategy by April 2010.

"I look forward to visiting the Alzheimer Café at Wellpark Mid Kirk, Inverclyde tomorrow and discussing the important issues with those constituents in attendance."

McMillan Speaks at Alzheimer Scotland Conference

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) spoken at the Alzheimer Scotland 'Living Positively with Dementia' Conference. Mr McMillan was invited to speak at the conference by Vaughan Jones, Dementia Support & Development Worker, Inverclyde Services. Mr McMillan gave the opening address to the Conference at James Watt College, Waterfront Campus, Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to be invited by Inverclyde Services to speak at the 'Living Positively with Dementia' Conference and give the opening address.

"I recently met with Vaughan and others in Inverclyde to discuss the issue of dementia and one of the main topics of discussion was that Scotland does not have a national strategy to deal with dementia.

"Therefore, I was pleased to hear last week from Shona Robison MSP, Public Health Minister that the first national strategy on dementia is on its way.

"This national strategy is vital as the statistics highlight that around 67,000 people in Scotland suffer from dementia and 6,500 new cases are diagnosed each year. The treatment costs for people suffering dementia is some £1.6bn per annum.

"I welcome the working partnership between the Scottish Government, Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group and look forward to witnessing a national strategy on dementia coming into force.