WELCOME NEWS – St John’s Children Ward Returns to 24/7 Service

WELCOME NEWS – St John’s Children Ward Returns to 24/7 Service

Angela Constance MSP has welcomed the decision taken by the Board of NHS Lothian to return the Children’s Ward at St John’s Hospital to a 24/7 inpatient service.  The decision was made following a recommendation from the Paediatric Programme Board following a recent report by the Royal College of Paediatricians and Children’s Health (RCPCH). The Programme Board proposes that a 24/7 service will resume towards the end of October. 

 Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley said 

“This is very welcome news indeed and West Lothian parents will be delighted by the decision made by the Health Board to return our children’s ward to a 24/7 inpatient service.   It will be a great relief to many parents that the ward will resume full service before winter sets in, this is particularly important for children with long term conditions.  The children’s ward provides an invaluable service to a growing population and is highly regarded and much loved.   I want to pay tribute to the dedicated ward staff and thank the Cabinet Secretary for Health and NHS Lothian for listening and working with parents and staff to enable the ward to fully re-open.  This outcome is testimony to the tenacity of local parents who have tirelessly built a positive case for West Lothian to retain a 24/7 children’s service“ 

Ends 

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