Scottish Catholic Observer

As Scotland tightens its belt during current times of financial hardship, funding is examined by Church and state alike. Although very little of the news that is emerging appears to be good, some of it is. Cardinal Keith O’Brien recently praised the efforts of Scottish MSPs, specifically on maintaining their commitment to international aid. Every cloud may indeed have a silver lining.

And while NHS funding is technically ring-fenced in the current Scottish budget, even health boards are feeling the pinch of the prolonged economic downturn. As it happens, this may not entirely be a bad turn of events in one case. As a result NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde may have to become Dick Whittington, as opposed to Dick Turpin, to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and turn again and see what the facility can do for them.

Last week the health board announced that a controversial alternative scheme to build a 60-bed nursing home and continuing care in Glasgow’s west end had been axed. However, in spite of cross-party support for the Clydebank hospice in the Scottish Parliament, staff remain uncertain of the health board’s commitment to its future.

Let’s hope and pray the issue is resolved and the good work of Sr Rita Dawson and the hospice staff can continue.