Hospital fury at No advert

GREAT ORMOND Street Hospital has ordered a pro-UK campaign group to withdraw an advert suggesting sick Scottish children wouldn’t get specialist treatment in England under independence.

The film by Vote No Borders had two actors discussing the impact on the NHS if there is a Yes vote in September’s referendum.

However, it is understood the first senior figures at London’s Great Ormond Street knew about the controversial cinema advert was when they received a complaint from a member of the public and subsequently rubbished its claims.

A spokesperson for the NHS foundation trust said: “Great Ormond Street Hospital was not consulted about this advertising, and we in no way endorse its messages, or that of any other political campaign group.

“We have contacted the Vote No Borders group to request that the advert is removed from cinemas as soon as possible.

“We would like to reassure Scottish families that we already have reciprocal healthcare agreements with numerous countries, and we regularly treat patients from across Europe because of our very specialist expertise.”

The Courier contacted Vote No Borders asking if it used Great Ormond Street Hospital in an advert without consulting the hospital, and what research, if any, was carried out before the filming of the advert.

Malcolm Offord, a spokesman for Vote No Borders, said: “Our cinema films end tonight so they have been running until today. The films are hypothetical scenes and two people are imagining a future world and discussing practical questions such as passports and health.

“Specialist hospitals such as Southern General Hospital (Glasgow) and Royal Victoria Infirmary (Newcastle) are valued by people on both sides of the border.

“People are worrying about continued ease of access as a result of Scotland’s decision to separate from the rest of the UK.

“These are serious questions being asked on both sides of the border.”

Better Together said Vote No Borders had no connection to the official campaign for the Union.