Cabinet Secretary for Justice talks to students at QMU
Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, is to talk to final year students at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh about current health and social care issues.
Michael, who is an occupational therapy graduate of Queen Margaret University, was formerly Scottish Minister for Public Health before being promoted, last November, to Cabinet Secretary for Justice by Scotland’s new first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
Before entering politics, Michael worked as a full-time occupational therapist. Over the years he has taken a keen interest in Queen Margaret University, making annual visits to the campus to talk with students and staff within the School of Health Sciences.
Ian McMillan, Head of Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at Queen Margaret University, said: “Michael is a really engaging speaker who has experience of working within the NHS, local authorities and government. He has worked as a health practitioner and as someone who forms and leads on health and social care policy.”
The Minister will undertake a Question and Answer session with final year students on the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course as part of their module titled ‘Developing innovation through enquiry’. Questions will cover a range of topics including occupational therapy in prisons; the minister’s thoughts on female offending; how occupational therapists can engage with the root causes of women’s offending such as abuse, alcohol and substance abuse; misuse of Accident and Emergency departments and the minister’s career journey.
Ian McMillan continued: “Michael’s time with students contributes greatly to their learning experience and also provides them with an invaluable insight into social issues and different career paths. We are extremely grateful that throughout his changing career Michael has continued to stay connected with the University and remains committed to helping our healthcare students in their development.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice will speak with occupational therapy students at QMU’s campus in Musselburgh on the 18th March 2015.
Notes to Editor
Michael Matheson was elected as the MSP for Falkirk West following the May 2007 elections. Previous to that he was a Regional MSP for Central Scotland from 1999-2007.
For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager T: 0131 474 0000, M: 07711 011239, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk or Jon Perkins, Press and PR Officer, T: 0131 474 0000, E: jperkins@qmu.acuk at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
