ST JOHN’S CHILDREN WARD UPDATE

ST JOHN’S CHILDREN WARD UPDATE

Following the publication of a report from the Royal College of Paediatricians and Children’s Health (RCPCH) regarding the health boards efforts to returning the children’s ward at St John’s Hospital to a 24/7 service the constituency MSP Angela Constance said - 

‘Returning the children’s ward to a 24/7 service as soon as possible remains in the best interests of the children of West Lothian and across the region, given that our local population continues to grow.  NHS Lothian and government have continued to state their resolute commitment to increase the 4 day inpatient service to a 7 day service.  It is therefore beholden on all local politicians to hold their feet to the fire on this.   

‘Indeed, the Royal College has once again reiterated that the health board should continue to develop its plans to return to a 24/7 inpatient service.  They have outlined contingency plans should this not be achieved but the unified voice of the community and local politicians is that a 24/7 service can and must be achieved.  It is encouraging that progress has been made with the successful recruitment of additional consultants who will come on stream later in the year.   

‘My ask of NHS Lothian in response the Royal College report is that they develop an action plan at pace to reinstate a 24/7 service  as possible, that consideration is given to what additional children’s services can be situated at St John’s Hospital to securely anchor the children’s ward for the longer term, and to recognise that resolving this once and for all is in the interest of all children both in West Lothian and further afield.’ 

ENDS 

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