Sick and tired

Monday’s editorial said it all, “NHS in dire need of reform”.

I’m not an Edinburger, I’m an ex-glaswegian. I have been appalled as I watched the relentless demise of the Sick Kids hospital. The plans to convert it into luxury flats have reinstated my Glasgow/ Edinburgh prejudices. Ironically, one of the aspects of moving here which did soften the image of heartless Edinburghers was the passion with which new neighbours spoke of the Sick Kids hospital... all of them seemed to have had sick weans who were saved at the Sick Kids!

I have the impression the city prides itself on its architectural icons – and this curious red sandstone building has much character, and more significant sentiment for the citizens of our capital. Surely in this centre of our nation’s power, imagination and development, someone could produce a more imaginative solution? The locals tried. There were well-attended meetings and we are invited to public exhibitions of the proposals. But as our MP and a councillor have remarked, the bureaucratic tripwires succeeded.

If we can afford to overspend on trams, could the Sick Kids not be converted into a convalescent unit to soak up us oldies blocking hospital beds? The other side of the “blocked” equation is people dying – basic maths seem beyond political calculations.

One of Edinburgh’s football teams may be called Hearts, but where is the political heart?

MAY BOWIE Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh