Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, raised the closure of the Youth Navigator Service at St John’s Hospital in Livingston at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday 11th May in the Scottish Parliament.
Youth Navigator is a youth service run by Medics against Violence to support young people presenting to health care services. NHS Lothian will be withdrawing funding from the service resulting in the closure of the service in June.
Commenting Fiona said:
“Youth Navigator provides vital support for young people, aged 12-16, as they access health care services. Hospital presentation by vulnerable young people is often when other underlying and pressing needs are identified.
“Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner has stated that NHS Lothian should review its children’s rights impact assessment of the decision to end the Youth Navigator programme at St John’s.
“I was pleased to hear the First Minister confirm that a children’s rights and wellbeing impact assessment will be undertaken regarding the provision of youth services in NHS Lothian.
“It is vital to ensure young people retain access to this support and I welcome the First Minister’s commitment to having the Health Secretary make representations to NHS Lothian about the important work of the Youth Navigator at St John’s.”
Notes
Link to Official Report of FMQ’s (11th May) – https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-11-05-2023?meeting=15297&iob=130463