Press Release
29th June 2001
Money and Mothers on McNeil's Agenda with Health Boss
MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has this morning met David Sillito, Chief Executive of Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, to discuss funding levels at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and the ongoing review of maternity services in Argyll & Clyde.
The meeting took place at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley at 8:15 this morning and followed Mr McNeil's meeting last Friday with the chief clinician at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
Mr McNeil told the Greenock Telegraph:
"The principal objective of the meeting was to discuss the investment issue.
"Following my meeting with the head clinician at the IRH last week, I was keen to hear Mr Sillito's views on why the extra funding being given to his organisation is not, apparently, being spent on the front line.
"It was also my first opportunity to state my extreme disappointment at the Steering Group's proposals for the future of maternity services," Mr McNeil continued.
"While I look forward to the full report from the Steering Group on their reasons for their recommendations, I took the opportunity to outline our general arguments in favour of maintaining the level of service at the Rankin Unit.
"First, I am doubtful that their proposals are compatible with the national Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, which states that maternity services should be appropriate to the needs of the people and geography of Scotland.
"I am surprised that the Steering Group consider their proposals are in line with this framework.
"Secondly, I am dubious about local maternity reviews which don't take the wider Scottish context into account.
"The very fact that they are amazingly suggesting siting 2 specialist units - at the RAH and the Southern General - a matter of minutes on the motorway apart, shows that the health board is being extremely short-sighted. If they truly wish to improve services, they must look beyond their own artificial health board boundary.
"I also find the case for forcing all expectant mothers to drive through the housing schemes of Paisley on their way to the RAH on the grounds that it improves safety somewhat unconvincing.
"Finally, I remain concerned over the knock-on effects on other child-centred services currently delivered at the IRH."
The list of options for the future of maternity services in Argyll & Clyde, proposed by the Steering Group and reported in the Telegraph last week, will now go to the Acute Trust Board for their consideration and comment.
"Mr Sillito, as Chief Executive, has a key role in this stage of the process and it is therefore vital he hears the good, strong arguments in favour of the Rankin," Mr McNeil concluded.
Only if approved by the Trust Board will the proposals go to the Health Board. If approved by the Health Board, there must be a full-blown consultation exercise, involving the public, staff, and organisations.
ENDS
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