Bed blocking is the biggest challenge facing the Scotland’s NHS, according to the country’s new shadow health secretary.
Jenny Marra has been promoted in Jim Murphy’s first Labour reshuffle and said sorting out the issue of delayed discharges, moving people from the NHS into social care, would not only increase patients’ wellbeing, but would help manage budgets.
The Dundee-based MSP told The Courier her other big priority would be helping to find a way of “working out how our health service allows our citizens to be healthier, fitter and live longer”.
She said: “The National Health Service is the most important and cherished public service in our country and it has given great service to my family through illness and in joyful times of new members of our family.
“My gran, who is now in her nineties, spent her whole career as a nurse and was nursing the day the National Health Service came into being. The quiet relief she was nursing that day in Glasgow was Labour’s finest achievement.”
The Labour member said both she and Health Secretary Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee City East, cared “deeply” about the NHS.
Mr Murphy added: “It will be interesting to see two Dundonians going head-to-head, that’ll be a new characteristic in Scottish politics.”
Another local winner in the reshuffle was Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker, who was promoted to shadow culture secretary.
She said: “Going forward we need to make sure our artistic and cultural community is properly supported and that everyone in Scotland, regardless of background, can benefit from what’s on offer, including creating it themselves.”
Meanwhile, Mr Murphy has revealed he will run Scottish Labour from Holyrood despite not being an MSP.
Holyrood officials confirmed he had been granted a permanent visitor pass, which allows him access to the building in the same manner as SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson.
A spokeswoman said: “As an MP, Mr Murphy has been granted a regular visitor’s pass which will enable him to meet with colleagues while at the Scottish Parliament.
“He has not been allocated an office.”
A Labour spokesman said Mr Murphy would use a spare room in the party’s corridor at the parliament as he bases himself in Edinburgh.
Notable movers in the reshuffle included Jackie Baillie taking over at finance, with Iain Gray moving to education.
Hugh Henry, who voted against Mr Murphy in the leadership election, has been brought into the fold as justice spokesman.
Leadership rivals Neil Findlay and Sarah Boyack will cover skills and training, and rural affairs respectively.
Former leader Johann Lamont is not included in the new team, with Mr Murphy stating she had not sought a front bench role.