MSPs Focus on Positive Outcome of Health Review
With regards to the ongoing story about the NHS Lothian Health Review, Fiona Hyslop said;
“My focus as local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is to make the case first and foremost for Children’s services at St John’s. That is I what have done with my SNP colleagues in a 2 hour meeting with the independent Review team where we set out well researched evidence in a comprehensive Report presented to them.
“With an above average 20% of West Lothian’s population under 15 and with new housing attracting more families to West Lothian we need strong local health services. The clinical support overnight at St John’s underpins maternity and special baby care services and the connection between provision makes a strong case to maintain overnight paediatric services in hospital. With 40% of all Lothian births taking place at St John’s Hospital, they need to look at the overall picture of the contribution of the Children’s Wards to pan-Lothian health care.
“This is an independent review – independent of any political party and any timelines are between the independent Review and NHS Lothian and the fact that The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child’s Health advised that not all of the Royal College’s independent expert review team would be able to start work before January rather than the originally envisaged November, is a matter for them. My constituents don’t want to see political arguments about process they want to see a positive response from the independent Review group and that is what I will be focusing my attention on.
“I would urge my constituents to share their views on the pan Lothian review of paediatric services by completing the survey online at
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RCPCHLothian “
The full submission Report from SNP MSPs, MPs and the Council Group can made available on request.
ENDS
The survey will be confidential and anonymous and will run throughout the term of the review, although ideally responses should be completed by February 14th.
Additional information on the review can be found on the RCPCH website at
http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/improving-child-health/better-nhs-children/service-delivery/invited-reviews/lothian-review/lothian-r