Positive Outcome for Health Services in Lanarkshire

The report from the Independent Scrutiny Panel which looked at the decision by NHS Lanarkshire to close the Accident & Emergency department at Monklands Hospital and reconfigure health services elsewhere in Lanarkshire has been welcomed by Central Scotland MSP Linda Fabiani. The report has endorsed the decision taken by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, to keep open the emergency department and raises questions about the previous governments endorsement of its closure.

Commenting on the report Ms Fabiani said:

“The report by the Independent Scrutiny Panel has justified the SNP Governments decision to have this looked at.

“The independent panel has found that the health board’s decision to downgrade Monklands was based on dated evidence and did not represent a fair balance of expert opinion.

“The panel determined that the centralisation of A&E services would not necessarily provide benefits to patients. With the panels chairman stating that NHS Lanarkshire had not made a convincing case for these changes.

“The Independent Scrutiny Panel has recognised the potential for the current service to build on itself through clinical decision units and the extension of minor injuries provision into the community whilst maintaining three A&E units.

“This is great news for the people of Lanarkshire and proof that this Scottish Government is prepared to take on board the views and opinions of local communities.

“Andy Kerr MSP, by contrast remains the lone voice in the wilderness with no support for his opinion on this matter as he remains the only advocate of closing community health services in Lanarkshire, although this is no surprise given that he was health minister when the original decision was taken. 

“Mr Kerr has in the past foretold of death and destruction if the Monklands A&E was kept open, I’m sure the doctors and nurses who work in NHS Lanarkshire will take great delight in proving him wrong.

“This report is a victory for communities across Lanarkshire who campaigned to save their health service from cuts that would impact on their communities. 

“The Independent Scrutiny Panel is the first of its kind but, this Scottish Government intends it will continue its work to monitor the decisions of public bodies that have major to decisions to make, in order to protect the best interests of our communities and ensure that community involvement is at the heart of future decision making.