Press Release
For Immediate Use:
St Johns Children’s Ward Given Strong Commitment
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
A firm commitment to a 24/7 service at St Johns have been given at two meetings with NHS in the last week.
MSP for Linlithgow Fiona Hyslop commented “At both the Blackburn Community Council hosted meeting on Thursday and the regular NHS Lothian/MSP meeting on Friday, we heard that NHS Lothian were on course to make the appointments they needed to the Children’s Ward at St Johns. This is to be welcomed but NHS Lothian were left in doubt of the strength of feeling on the matter. I call on NHS Lothian to continue to be open and proactive about communicating the on-going situation. ”
Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley added “The Health Secretary Alex Neil has made clear the Scottish Government’s commitment to the long term security for the Children’s Ward at St Johns. With international recruitment challenges in this field it is reassuring to hear of interviews and appointments being made this week. NHS Lothian has said that they will remain vigilant over the next few years until the staffing arrangements across Scotland for paediatrics can be fully stabilised. As the local MSP with St Johns in my constituency I will ensure the needs and interests of our children are protected. ”