We have been asked to circulate this response re St Johns Hospital. In response to the currently circulating petition which states that “NHS Lothian are considering changes to services at the Children’s and Accident and Emergency wards at St John’s Hospital”, I would like to note that NHS Lothian are NOT “considering” such changes. The use of the word “considering” implies that the intention is for a deliberate and planned downgrade – this is not true and the language used is selective and misleading. Currently, there is a shortage of certain specialists and this has led to contingency planning regarding future staffing arrangements; or, to put it another way, NHS Lothian have gone through a hypothetical “what shall we do if we cannot fill these places” exercise. This is responsible management by NHS Lothian and they fully intend to fill these places. Given the highly specialised nature of health care provision, it is likely that every year or so there will be a national shortage of a specialisation. NHS Lothian will no doubt make contingency plans and this will no doubt be portrayed by some as a “planned downgrade”. As with virtually every other time these contingency plans have been made, they rarely need to be actioned, and, if they are, only briefly until recruits are found. We should all remain vigilant to the level of services provided at St John’s and I would not wish to discourage anyone from making their opinion known to the responsible minister; however, I would suggest that there is a stark difference between the deliberate planned removal of services undertaken prior to 2007 and the hypothetical contingency planning being undertaken now. It is noted that NHS Lothian are applying for planning permission for the “Erection of a 190 sqm extension to form MRI unit” and that this is to be located at “ST JOHNS HOSPITAL”. This facility represents a £2.5 million investment in St John’s and is a clear demonstration of the commitment to maintain and upgrade services at St John’s. Regards, Robert De Bold, Councillor for Livingston North (SNP), West Lothian Council. T: 01506 281715
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:17:52 +0000