Stewart McConnell

Troon

Journalist at Freelance

😀

Articles

Mum hails Ayrshire midwives after 'disastrous' situation sparks 100 mile trip to give birth

4 days ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The Brechin mum praised Ayrshire healthcare workers after a lack of resources in Tayside meant she had to travel more than 100 miles to give birth. A grateful mum has thanked NHS Ayrshire and Arran for “exceptional clinical care” after travel to Crosshouse Hospital on a 100-mile trip to give birth following lack of resources on Tayside. Nada Wilson, who lives in Brechin, had to be transferred from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee last October because of the unavailability of a neo-natal bed.
South Lanarkshire Council secures £90k funding to plant new trees

4 days ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The council’s Removing Barriers to Tree Planting programme has been awarded the cash. Green-conscious South Lanarkshire Council will be planting new trees right across the community after securing some funding support. The council’s Removing Barriers to Tree Planting programme has been awarded £90,000 to allow it to plant trees in key areas across South Lanarkshire.
Angus woman forced to travel 130 miles to give birth due to lack of neonatal beds

4 days ago | news.stv.tv | Stewart McConnell

A grateful mum has thanked NHS Ayrshire and Arran for “exceptional clinical care” after traveling to Crosshouse Hospital on a 130-mile trip to give birth due to a lack of resources in Tayside. Nada Wilson, who lives in Brechin, had to be transferred from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee last October because of the unavailability of a neonatal bed.
North Ayrshire Council facing cuts as £40m funding gap identified

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stewart McConnell

The report revealed that the council’s latest Medium Term Financial Outlook has identified a structural funding gap of £46.7m in the three-year period to 2027-28 (including HSCP pressures). Projected savings from transformation fall significantly short of the savings required. Officers are clear that future recurring savings also need to be made through workforce changes, cuts in services, and council tax and fees and charges increases.
South Lanarkshire Council secure £13.5million for capital and revenue projects

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Councillor John Anderson said: “This is a fair chunk of money we are getting here and I would like to welcome it, particularly the money that is going to help unemployability and child poverty."More than £13.5million of funding has been secured by South Lanarkshire Council to fund a wide range of capital and revenue projects. Funding of £4,683,431 was given from the Scottish Government to support 'No One Left Behind (NOLB) - Employability' the Executive heard on Wednesday.
Police vow to step up public safety on Irvine beach after teen's death

1 week ago | irvinetimes.com | Stewart McConnell

Irvine police inspector Michael Cowan was the guest at a meeting of the town's community council in Redburn Community Centre on Monday night. Most of the meeting was dedicated to an update from police following the tragic events of May 17. Two teenagers have since been charged with Kayden's murder. Inspector Cowan was keen to assure the members and the general public that they would do everything they could to ensure the safety of those using the beach and visiting the local area.
Finance chiefs at NHS Forth Valley table cuts plan to tackle £38m funding gap

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Forth Valley health chiefs are battling to bridge a funding gap. Finance chiefs have drawn up a rigorous programme of cuts within NHS Forth Valley to address a £38m funding gap for 2025-26 as the board aim to break even next year. The moves were confirmed on Tuesday by NHS Director of Finance Scott Urquhart.
NHS Forth Valley nursing chief honoured as she steps down after almost 40 years

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Farewell to top NHS Forth Valley bossTributes were paid on Tuesday to an NHS Forth Valley stalwart who is stepping down after a remarkable career which has seen her clock up almost four decades of service. Executive Nurse Director Frances Dodd has announced she is stepping down following a stellar career spanning 39 years within the National Health Service. And she was saluted at what was her final formal Public Board meeting at Carseview House.
Honour for foster carers with combined total of nearly 200 years of service

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

Long-service awards were given to the unsung heroes from across South Lanarkshire. Combined service totalling a staggering two centuries of dedication to a South Lanarkshire Council service has been honoured at a special presentation. Foster carers from South Lanarkshire have been recognised for their unstinting work over a combined total of nearly 200 years.
North Ayrshire Youth club benefits from £20,000 grant

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Stewart McConnell

The group is celebrating an important funding award. Youngsters in Stevenston will have an opportunity to enjoy hot meals and fun activities at their weekly club thanks to funding secured through the efforts of North Ayrshire Council. The Three Towns Locality team helped Hayocks Community Association to receive an almost £20,000 funding boost.