Press Release

SMITH RESPONDS TO ACUTE CARE PLANS

01/12/04

Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West, has responded to NHS Lothian's consultation “ Improving Care, Investing in Change”.

Margaret Smith has accepted the Boards plans for changes to the Acute Receiving Unit at the Western General Hospital but has asked that any changes be reviewed after 6 months, extra resources be given to the ambulance service as required, and a further paramedic car be sited in the Muirhouse/Pilton area.

Margaret Smith said:

“I am concerned at plans to close the Acute Receiving Unit overnight because of pressures such as the reduction in junior doctors working hours. I have been assured that this will affect only a handful of patients each evening and that inpatients will receive better care through a ‘Hospital at Night' Scheme, I'm asking NHS Lothian to keep this under review.” 

Meanwhile, following several meetings with senior NHS management, Margaret Smith has agreed that inpatient care be removed from the Royal Victoria but only if the site remains in use for care of the elderly services in North West Edinburgh.

Margaret Smith added:

“I've asked NHS Lothian to retain the day hospital and existing clinics on the site in refurbished facilities as well as looking at the possibility for supported accommodation and a care home.”

Margaret Smith has also pressed the Board to improve parking at the Western General and to call for a tram stop at the hospital.

ENDS