25.01.2013
The Convener of the Public Petitions Committee has today welcomed the positive impact that petitions to the Scottish Parliament are having on the lives of people across Scotland.
Speaking following a series of commitments announced by the Scottish Government which address calls for action in three different health-related petitions, David Stewart MSP said:
“This is a good news story for the petitions process and the petitioners concerned. Petitions on a wide range of subjects are received and considered by the Committee and for the many ordinary people who submit these petitions, we offer the chance to be heard and to influence policy.
“The fact that the Scottish Government has this week committed to take action in these three areas is testament to the value of our petitions process and proof of the impact which petitions can have.”
Background
The Scottish Government recently announced that it was launching a free call number for NHS 24. Petition PE1285 raised this issue.
An orphan drug fund was also recently announced. Petition PE1462 called for more specialist cystic fibrosis drugs to be made available to Cystic Fibrosis patients.
Finally, the establishment of a residential pain service in Scotland was reported this week. This was the subject of petition PE1460.
Related links
Public Petitions Committee
View petitions