SNP plans to centralise services for cleft lip and palate patients should be scrapped, the Scottish Conservatives have said. Public health spokesman Miles Briggs will host a debate in Holyrood later today on the controversial proposals, which would see all patients treated in Glasgow.
Earlier today, patients handed over a petition of more than 6000 names calling for scheme to be dropped. The Lothians MSP, who pledged to campaign on this prior to being elected, said Scotland needed two sites for the service, adding that Edinburgh’s – the one due to close – was world-leading.
Miles's motion to reverse the plan has been supported by MSPs across all opposition parties. He added that the concern was not only over the move itself, but the way the Scottish Government consultation has been handled.
Lothian MSP and Scottish Conservative public health spokesman Miles Briggs said:
“Patients across the Lothians have real concerns at the way in which the consultation to centralise cleft surgery in Scotland has been handled. I’ve heard a number of stories about the excellent treatment and quality of surgery their babies and children have received at the Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh. It’s not an overstatement to say the service there is world-leading, and the outcomes some of the best any parent or child could ask for.
“Many parents have expressed concern to me about the additional stress and pressures that would be placed on them and their children through the extra time, travel cost and time off work that would be required in travelling to Glasgow.
“The Scottish Government talks about accessibility in the NHS, but these centralisation plans would make access more difficult for families across the east of Scotland.
“This is not an Edinburgh versus Glasgow issue, and it must not become one. But keeping two sites is in the best interests of parents, clinicians and – crucially – babies and children in Scotland needing this specialist surgery and care.”
For more background, visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-35817175
