We need to have a look at step-down models of care

Freeman on Despite all the challenges she faces, Freeman denied her brief was a poisoned chalice.

integrated health and social care She said: “I’m not underestimating the scale and the responsibility of the role but, actually, I think clinicians and nursing staff and ambulance personnel and everyone who is involved in it every single day do absolutely marvellous and wondrous things.” BY ANDY PHILIP A HEALTH board are under pressure to reopen a children’s ward – after they admitted that 500 youngsters had to be diverted 20 miles for treatment in a year.

NHS Lothian cut back provision for out-of-hours and inpatients at St John’s Hospital in Livingston last summer due to staffing issues.

A report this month confirmed: “In the year since the temporary closure of the paediatric inpatient unit, there had been approximately 500 admissions from there to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.”

The board are discussing how the department can be reopened as a 24/7 paediatric unit.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said yesterday: “The situation facing sick children and their parents in West Lothian is completely unacceptable.

“This proves the decision to close the ward to 24/7 admissions, and downgrade the hospital more generally, has had a genuinely negative impact.

“The last thing worried parents should have to face in these situations is a 20-mile trip when the care was previously provided on their doorstep.”

Jacquie Campbell, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said: “Patient safety must always be the top priority and our decision followed a detailed risk assessment and puts the safety of children and their families first.

“We are committed to increasing staffing levels in paediatric services and reinstating the 24/7 model at St John’s Hospital when it is safe and sustainable to do so.

“We will assist with transport for any family travelling between West Lothian and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.”