Press Release

SMITH STANDS UP FOR A&E PROVISION IN THE NORTH WEST OF EDINBURGH

25/11/04

Margaret Smith , Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West, has expressed her concern over the future of Accident and Emergency provision in the North West of Edinburgh and the standard of transport links to and between Edinburgh hospitals.

Responding to the NHS Lothian consultation “Improving Care, Investing in Change”, Margaret Smith rejected the notion that the complete range of 24 hour emergency care could be concentrated at the new Royal Infirmary.

Margaret Smith said:

“My constituents in Muirhouse and Drylaw want the Western General Hospital to remain as an acute hospital, dealing with a full range of conditions and emergencies.

“I cannot over emphasise the importance of transport links to and between hospitals for my constituents. Edinburgh transport considerations crop up as often as health considerations.

“I am convinced that NHS Lothian should actively engage with the parliamentary committee looking at the Tram Line 1 proposals. It is essential that NHS Lothian improve services to all Edinburgh 's hospitals.

“I would also welcome the introduction of a paramedic response car sited in the North of the city. I believe we must make further resources available to the Scottish Ambulance Service in order to site ambulances at key points around the City”.

ENDS