Reid condemns Scottish Government for downgrading Vale of Leven hospital (Shetland Liberal Democrats)

Shetland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Reid condemns Scottish Government for downgrading Vale of Leven hospital

July 21, 2009 10:02 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, condemned the Scottish Government for downgrading the Vale of Leven Hospital. The Scottish Government have removed anaesthetics cover from the Vale.

Following the announcement, Mr Reid said,Alan Reid MP: Argyll & Bute

"The Scottish Government have downgraded the Vale by removing anaesthetics cover. They are forcing 2,000 seriously ill patients a year to go on the long journey to Paisley for their emergency operation. This is unacceptable. This service should be provided locally. Transferring patients to Paisley will put further strain on the ambulance service. Any services that cannot be provided safely at the Vale should be provided at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, not as far away as Paisley.

"The Scottish Health Minister has tried to disguise her announcement on downgrading the Vale by combining this announcement with a recycled announcement about an increase in outpatient services at the Vale. This increase in outpatient services was announced last year. The increase is welcome, but doesn't disguise the fact that the Scottish Government are downgrading the hospital by removing anaesthetics cover.

"The Scottish Government have postponed a decision about the future of adult mental health services at the Vale. These services should definitely remain here and not be transferred to Glasgow."

"The SNP have broken their election promise not to downgrade the Vale."