27/10/2016 Reporting Scotland

The spending watchdog warns that the NHS in Scotland

is in financial difficulties because of growing

The Scottish government intervenes after it's claimed that some crew

members on two cargo ships serving the northern isles are paid

The sister of a woman from Glasgow, who's been missing for more

than a week, appeals for the public's help to find her.

If Janet is watching this, get in contact and let us know it we are

saved -- you are safe. We love you and miss you so very much.

Calls for improvements to the regional mortuaries used

And we meet the Coatbridge dance group who're preparing to take

to the stage with one of the world's biggest pop stars.

Scotland's spending watchdog says the NHS is struggling financially

and is failing to achieve key waiting time targets.

The Auditor-General says that despite rising spending

on the health service, funding isn't keeping pace

with increased demand from an ageing population.

Here's our social affairs correspondent, Reevel Alderson.

This is the annual health check for the health service.

And the prognosis is certainly not positive.

The Auditor-General says health boards are struggling

NHS funding, she says, is not keeping pace with increasing

demand and the needs of an ageing population.

There is an "extremely challenging" financial

position for health boards, and the report warns many

are at risk of being unable to balance their books.

There is a growing population in Scotland and a population which is

getting older. We know that older people tend to need more health

care, particularly in the last years of their lives. We're also seeing

increasing cost pressures from the cost of the NHS workforce and we

have noticed particularly busy of prescribed drugs, new drugs being

available, more drugs being prescribed and the cost is really

going up very quickly. The report acknowledges

that despite the cuts, health boards are being asked

to make sure more money In the past year spending rose

by 2.7% above inflation. But as Caroline Gardner said,

the cost of drugs alone went Total spending on the NHS

is ?12.2 billion. That's a jaw-dropping 40%

of the entire Scottish Yet the report says the NHS has

missed seven of eight of its key In three areas, performance has been

deteriorating in recent years. They're the target to begin

treatment within 18 weeks of a GP referral, the 12-week target

for treatment to be completed and a target to access

child or adolescent Each of these missed targets means a

patient waiting longer for treatment. James Neesom, a retired

miner, has already waited 12 weeks for treatment from blocked artery in

his leg which is affecting his ability to get about. He should have

had an appointment by now. On Monday, I decided to call the

appointments office in the Royal, and they informed me it would be at

least 30 weeks before I could maybe hear something as there was a 30

least 30 weeks before I could maybe week waiting list, appointment time

for appointments, due to a shortage of vascular consultants. Waiting

times are lower. His case was highlighted by Labour in bitter

exchanges at First Minister's question that every word but callers

to radio Scotland's phoning and people outside a major Glasgow

to radio Scotland's phoning and hospital were largely supportive of

the NHS and its staff. Personally, I can't fault it, I'd had the best of

treatment in the NHS and my waiting time has been before the 12 weeks.

We know it is struggling financially but it's the best treatment I would

say in the world. Today, it has been fantastic. They have seen me right

away. I think the whole thing is badly structured and it has been

going on to so many years, it is getting worse and worse.

Audit Scotland says one way of improving the health of the NHS

would be to speed up proposals, first mooted in 2005 to treat more

patients in the community rather than in costly hospitals.

But it says there's a problem here of an ageing workforce.

Half of community nurses are over 50, so are a third of GPs,

while a slightly larger proportion of nurses and midwives

Replacing them when they retire is another challenge the NHS must

And that report on the NHS prompted angry exchanges at Holyrood

between Opposition leaders and the First Minister.

This from our political editor Brian Taylor.

Outside the chamber, all was patriotic are many as the First

Minister joined young Kenyan singers in flower of Scotland. -- Flower of

Scotland. But she knew the NHS report meant such a tone was

unlikely to be replicated when she faced her opponents. Presiding

officer... The Tories accused ministers of applying sticking

plasters to an acute problem. Because of this government's failure

to manage staffing, there's been a 47% increase in agency nursing and

midwifery staff and staggeringly, the individual agency doctors are

being paid over ?400,000 each to provide cover for periods of less

than a year. And all of that while patient care suffers from cuts and

hospital buildings are left to crumble. I call it a scandal. What

does the First Minister call it? Health service bunting is higher

than when we took office. The number of people working in the health

service is higher than when we took office in waiting times are lower.

Our NHS faces challenges but these challenges are not unique to

Scotland, they are challenges faced by health systems across the world.

But as the auditor general herself said this morning, when it comes to

facing up to these challenges, Scotland is performing well compared

to other parts of the UK. Willie Rennie of the Liberal Democrats

piled in. The Audit Scotland report on our NHS is a horror show. Kezia

Dugdale raise the case of James Nielsen and accused ministers of

neglect. This summer, the First Minister set of the listening

exercise but she's not listening to patients, she's not listening to

doctors and she's not listening to nurses. I'm not standing here saying

everything is perfect in our health service. Nor am I saying that there

is not more work to be done but I am pointing to the progress that has

been made, progress we are now determined to build on. The First

Minister closed by saying that tough decisions were pending and Scotland

moved to transfer more resources from hospitals to community and

social care. And that might take more than a group hug to resolve.

Brian Taylor, Reporting Scotland, Holyrood.

Brian referred there to the shift in emphasis from hospital

Is that achievable, given these budget restraints?

That is actually the point. The auditor General, in her report, says

that we desperately need to reorganise services, the way the

health services are delivered. We need to invest in community-based

resources but she says there aren't any more resources. What health

boards are doing is trying to save money, ?500 million in this

financial year. That money gets ploughed back into the NHS in their

local areas. If they can use that money to redevelop immunity

services, then we can start to get onto this road of the 2020 vision

programme, the SNP government put out in 2011, and revamped earlier

this year. It is absolutely vital, the auditor general says, that we do

this because otherwise, the NHS is going to carry on continuing to cost

more and deliver poor service. Thank you for joining us.

The RMT union is claiming seafarers in the Northern Isles

Tonight, the Scottish Government says it's unacceptable and has

They've asked SercoNorthlink to ensure the crews are paid

the national minimum wage and their salaries are backdated.

Arriving in Lerwick harbour, the cargo boat ties up at the pier. On

board, fresh supplies of food for the supermarkets and other essential

supplies for island life. But some of the crew working on the vessel

are being paid well below the minimum wage. They are getting paid

?3 66 per hour. This is a Scottish Government contract for the ferry

service and it is totally unacceptable that these workers from

Estonia are being paid way below the UK national minimum wage. The union

has launched an online petition highlighting their plight and

calling on the Scottish Government to stop the practice with publicly

funded contracts. SercoNorthlink was awarded the ?243 million Scottish

Government contract for six years in 2012. It operates three ferries and

tee cargo boats on the lifeline routes to the Northern Isles. But

the running of the tee cargo boats is outsourced to another company

which is based in Heysham. It pays the cruise on-board. But the

companies say under current legislation, the national minimum

wage is not applicable to the crews of these vessels will stop they say

the crew are deemed not to be ordinarily working in the UK. They

add that if the national minimum wage applied, it would place the

company at a serious disadvantage with its competitors. If they are

not receiving the minimum wage, that cannot be right, they are members of

staff, European citizens working in Scotland and they should be

staff, European citizens working in receiving the wages due to them.

That is an unacceptable situation. Transport Scotland will be in touch

with always subcontract the company and they will offer to pay the

minimum wage and backdate that behalf of the company. I would urge

the subcontractor to take that up and I will write the UK shipping

Minister to say that because he has controls over the minimum wage and

the UK Government, they should impose that minimum wage on non-UK

nationals regardless of whether they are working in international waters

or not if they are working on a government contract. As the ship set

sail for it overnight trip to Aberdeen, the RMT has pledged to

continue its fight for the crew. John Johnston, Reporting Scotland,

Shetland. The sister of a woman from Glasgow

who went missing nine days ago has appealed for the public's

help to find her. Janet McQueen, who is 58,

was last seen leaving her house Her family say they

are worried sick. This morning, we have the sister

Janet McQueen. It is daunting speaking front of the cameras but

this was an appeal from the heart. The family are really worried now

about my sister, Janet. She loves her dog and it is really concerning

that she has left the dog at home. Alongside, with her mobile phone and

her purse. We are worried sick, not knowing where she is at this time,

as you can understand. Mrs McQueen lives in the Guvanhill area of

Glasgow and she was last seen there at about nine o'clock at night. She

was seen by neighbour, walking down here. Heading in this direction? She

was seen on her own. Really absolutely out of character. Janet

we know enjoy daytime activities and was not known to go out of the house

we know enjoy daytime activities and at that time of night. Janet

McQueen's family say she likes routine and most days she would pop

into this pub where staff and customers are worried about her. She

would normally come in between nine and ten and it was always a caramel

latte and a bacon roll, toasted. Heavy on the caramel. She liked it

sweet. What sort of Lady is she? Just a very quiet. She did not say

much. She had a good group of friends that she came in and sat

with but she was relatively quiet. There was a possible sighting of

Janet in nearby Queens park but an extensive search produced no trace

of her. In the afternoon of the day she went missing, she was found

several miles from home in a confused state but was able to tell

police where she lived and was taken back to her flat. Police say they

find nothing which would indicate there is any criminal element to

Janet's disappearance but they are really keen to hear from anyone who

thinks they may have seen her or from friends who can tell they're

more about her daily routines and places she might go. If Janet is

watching this, please get in contact and let us know you are safe. We

love you and miss you so very much. Aileen Clarke, Reporting Scotland,

Glasgow. You're watching BBC

Reporting Scotland. The spending watchdog warns

that the health service here is facing financial

difficulties, despite It is failing to achieve key waiting

time targets. Scotland and England in a couple of weeks.

And still to come, the Glasgow Warriors head coach

is backing a Scottish Rugby Union proposal

to put Scotland's two professional sides up for sale.

The Government is to conduct a review of standards

in Scottish mortuaries, after calls for improvements

in the regional facilities often used by the police

It's been prompted by the experience of a grieving Moray family,

who had to identify a deceased relative in a facility

69-year-old Frank White died in a sailing accident in May. His sudden

death was shocking enough for his family, but they say the situation

was made worse when they went to identify him. The building was in a

derelict situation. It just looks like an old garage or a shed. And

there was double doors open. We were two steps in that door. And there

was Frank. And an uncovered mortuary trolley. He is covered, but nothing

else is covered and an old sofa you could sit on. Disgusted by the

condition of the building, the Whites launched a campaign to

establish the state of all mortuaries used by the police for

certain sudden deaths. Within weeks they were contacted by other

bereaved families with similar stories to tell. I have been

saddened that there is so many facilities that are similar to the

one we went to. And had thought that perhaps we were a one-off. NHS

Grampian say the mortuary is no longer used for family visits and

alternative arrangements are in place in Moray. But the White family

believe mortuaries should undergo more stringent inspections.

Scotland's main city mortuaries are owned be amix of local authorities,

the NHS or police Scotland. But most of the concern centres on smaller

hospital units. Today, the Whites' calls for improvements reached the

Scottish Parliament with the Government ordering a review of

current practices. To ensure that facilities are brought up to

standards where they fall short. The family hope the developments will

lead to the delivery of family hope the developments will

dignified service for both the living and the dead. I hope so,

because there was no dignity at the mortuary, there was no dignity.

There was come passion from the individuals, but none from the

process. Nothing. The mother of a 14 year-old-girl

who died in a crash in Moray has said she still can't

believe she's gone. Neringa Narusyte from Buckie

was killed in the accident near Keith last night,

which left three Another 14-year-old girl has been

flown to Glasgow with life-threatening injuries,

and two girls aged 16 and 17 A look at other stories

from across the country. Plans have been unveiled to spend

nearly ?400 million on building projects in Dundee over

the next five years. The city's new railway station

would receive ?30 million. The investment also includes

the V Museum and a regional The owners and the master

of the Loch Ness cruise ship, the Jacobite Queen, have been fined

?8,000 after an accident which cost Aurelia Thabert was working

on the vessel in 2012, when her right foot became

entangled in a rope. Jacobite Cruises pleaded guilty

to failing to ensure the health, Around 100 students

at the Glasgow School of Art boycotted classes this morning

in protest at expansion plans. The students say they're not

being consulted on how planned The GSA called on the students

to pursue "more formal routes" and work constructively

with the school. Portobello High School in Edinburgh

opened its doors to pupils The school is the city's biggest,

with space for 1,400 children. The development was initially

surrounded by controversy, following local opposition

to redevelopment of parkland. It went ahead after the council

took a Private Bill through the Scottish Parliament

to change the status I think the initial controversy has

subsided and we have had positive feedback from the neighbours about

the look of the building and that we have a lot of green space. The whole

community is feeling positive about the future.

The numbers of one of Scotland's rarest birds continued

The RSPB says just over 1,000 breeding male corncrakes

were recorded during 2016, which represents a 3% drop

on the previous year and a further decrease of 20% compared with 2014.

In sport, the Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend is backing

a proposal to potentially allow Scotland's two professional

All of Scottish Rugby's member clubs can vote tomorrow on changes

to allow shares in the Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby

Townsend, who'll take over the Scotland national team

in the summer, says it could be good for the sport here.

Glasgow warriors' home had a makeover with a new surface and

increased seating. But when its comes to competing with the biggest

clubs in Europe, it is hard from a level playing field financially.

Their budget is ?5 million a season. The same as Edinburgh. That honey

comes directly from the SRU. Compare that with French club Racing 92 with

a budget of nearly double that. There is a lot of money has come

into the game in other countries. If we can access that money it will

help rugby. The ruling body wants to sell shares in Edinburgh and Glasgow

to boost their spending power. For that it needs the support of clubs.

I think the clubs will be supportive. In fairness, on a Friday

evening to get club members to come from the north of Scotland or the

borders is asking a lot. But its such an important vote that I would

be disappointed if we didn't get the numbers. Glasgow in particular have

been pulling in large crowds for their matches, but would a

privatised club attract investors? The last count globally sport

sponsorship was worth over $50 billion and growing. It is not an

easy sell, but it is sellable. It may well appeal. But this meeting

will... Be a first step I think. If the SRU gets the proposal over the

line tomorrow, the next step will be to find ininvolvesors. -- find

investors. That could prove more difficult.

You're watching Reporting Scotland, so that means you'll have missed out

The Canadian pop superstar kicks off a three-night sell-out tour

at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow tonight, and aside from the thousands

of fans in the audience, there'll be a few on

Because five young performers from a Coatbridge dance school have

Ready? Count down to Bieber. These young dancers are used to performing

in public. But tonight, it is a bit different. In just a couple of

hours, they will be on stage with one of the world's biggest stars -

Justin Bieber. Hand picked from thousands of applications by the pop

star's staff, they have been rehearsing for the last two weeks.

When I seen the e-mail, I was ecstatic. When I got the other

e-mails I there, I was through the roof. You had to pick me off the

ceiling. We are used to competition and worlds and Europeans, so the

kids get good opportunities. This is something that money can't buy. If

it was you or I preparing to go on stage in front of thousands, you

would be nervous. These guys though are looking forward to it. I will be

nervous, but I won't be nervous. There will be parts that will be

nervous and parts that are excited. We are are practicing and we had the

video on YouTube and they got to pick people. What do you think about

the fact you have been chosen from all the others that could have been

chosen? Well we are proud. I couldn't believe it. It was fun. And

I was jumping up and down. This young dance team will be on the

hydrostage with their hero for just one track. The appropriately named

Children. Justin Bieber is certainly making their dreams come true

tonight. Now here's Graham Stewart

with details of Scotland 2016. This agreement we need more health

care in the community, rather than sending people to hospitals. So more

Nan a decade after the first warnings, why are our hospitals

still struggling with increasing demand and costs? I will ask the

Health Secretary tonight at 10.30 on BBC Two Scotland.

And it's the weather now with Christopher.

It was a cloudy day and wet for some. Particularly in the

north-west. This is a front that is sinking south and east and turning

quite through the central Lowlands and the south. Quite breezy with the

rain, the wind and the rain though easing off after midnight. Behind it

reasonably dry conditions for most. Cloudy. And still a number of

showers in the far north and the Northern Isles. Turning blustery for

a time. Attempts in towns and cities around 9. Cooler in the countryside.

Tomorrow, the weather sets out similar. High pressure down south.

Today's rain still around the north of England and this warm front could

come back to us. For most of the country reasonably dry and lighter

winds than today. Still a few blustery showers in the north and

the Northern Isles in the morning. But they will ease. But elsewhere

dry with lighter winds. So by mid afternoon, around 4pm, we with

looking at temperatures around 12 Celsius. A cooler day than today.

Cloudy in the south and up to Argyll. The further north and east

you are through Clackmannanshire and Fife and Angus, up to the

north-east, some sunshine for you and bright across the north-west as

well. Still breezy around the far north and the Northern Isles. The

earlier showers continuing to ease. The rest of the afternoon there is

that returning warm front bring rain and drizzle into the west and

south-west. That is still with us come the weekends. On Saturday

cloudy and damp in the north-west. Elsewhere dry, but fairly cloudy

with some hill fog. Best of the sunshine in the north-east and

milder again. Sunday generally dry, with some rain in the west. Driest

and brightest in the south and south-east. That is the forecasting.

Thank you. Now, a reminder of

tonight's main news. Scotland's spending watchdog says

the NHS is struggling financially and is failing to achieve key

waiting time targets. The Auditor-General says funding

isn't keeping pace with increased The car maker Nissan has confirmed

that it will make two new models The decision marks the first major

investment in the industry I'll be back with the headlines

at 8pm and the late bulletin just Until then, from everyone on the

team, right across the country,