Written Question · S2W-01912 · Session 2
What the process and timescale will be for ministerial consideration of the decision by Argyll and Clyde NHS Board on 29 July 2003 to reorg…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the process and timescale will be for ministerial consideration of the decision by Argyll and Clyde NHS Board on 29 July 2003 to reorganise maternity services.
The answer
As with any proposals for significant service change or closure approved by NHS boards, I would only make a decision on whether to endorse the preferred option or not following careful consideration of the relevant local review.
In the case of maternity service proposals, I would have to be satisfied that the preferred option is consistent with A Framework for Maternity Services inScotland (February 2001) and the recommendations of the Expert Group onAcute Maternity Services (December 2002). These policy documents set out clear action points and recommendations intended to ensure that NHS Scotland provides modern, safe and sustainable maternity services that are appropriate to the needs of women and families in Scotland.
In the case of NHS Argyll and Clyde’s maternity service proposals, I have taken the time to both carefully consider all the available information and to meet with local representatives and campaign groups.
I consider that NHS Argyll and Clyde’s proposed model of maternity services is the best available option for providing high quality, safe and sustainable maternity services that are consistent with national guidelines. As such, I can confirm that the plans will see a consultant-led maternity unit at the Royal Alexandra and new midwife-led community units in Greenock and Vale of Leven. However, I have asked NHS Glasgow and NHS Argyll and Clyde to do more detailedwork on the pattern of patient choice between Glasgow and Paisley and to submit a report to me by April 2004.
In the case of maternity service proposals, I would have to be satisfied that the preferred option is consistent with A Framework for Maternity Services inScotland (February 2001) and the recommendations of the Expert Group onAcute Maternity Services (December 2002). These policy documents set out clear action points and recommendations intended to ensure that NHS Scotland provides modern, safe and sustainable maternity services that are appropriate to the needs of women and families in Scotland.
In the case of NHS Argyll and Clyde’s maternity service proposals, I have taken the time to both carefully consider all the available information and to meet with local representatives and campaign groups.
I consider that NHS Argyll and Clyde’s proposed model of maternity services is the best available option for providing high quality, safe and sustainable maternity services that are consistent with national guidelines. As such, I can confirm that the plans will see a consultant-led maternity unit at the Royal Alexandra and new midwife-led community units in Greenock and Vale of Leven. However, I have asked NHS Glasgow and NHS Argyll and Clyde to do more detailedwork on the pattern of patient choice between Glasgow and Paisley and to submit a report to me by April 2004.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-01912 by reference.