West Lothian Conservative Councillor leader, Damian Timson said:
“It is appalling that this situation has arisen again, the third time in just over five years”.
“Questions need to be asked of NHS Lothian and the SNP Government”.
“The people of West Lothian were assured by both NHS Lothian and the SNP Health Minister that this situation would not happen and that actions would be taken to ensure the ward was not closed due to staff shortages”.
“West Lothian Conservatives demand that NHS Lothian explain why West Lothian residents are being treated as second hand citizens. Health provision is meant to be a national service, yet time after time it is West Lothian that does not receive the standards other areas enjoy”.
“We want to know when NHS Lothian made this decision? Why it was announced so near the time of closing the ward? And who knew this was going to happen?”
“West Lothian Conservatives also want to know what action is being urgently taken to rectify this situation and when will the ward fully re-open?”
He added, “The inconvenience and distress this will cause parents and families already going through a traumatic experience is not to be forgotten. Difficulties in getting through to the Sick Kid’s hospital in Edinburgh, especially those that rely on public transport will cause families major problems and possibly even less visitors to children when they need their families most”.
“Earlier this month we learnt that nursing levels are short by nearly 3000 across Scotland and despite years of being aware, Consultant positions are not to the sufficient levels at St Johns. This is happening under the SNP Government and their lack of planning for the hardworking NHS workforce is a scandal”.
"The people of West Lothian deserve answers from the Heath Minister, Shona Robison and to be told what action is going to be taken to resolve this unacceptable situation".