Published: Tuesday, 18th December, 2007 11:00
HEALTH MINISTER SPEAKS ON VALE
By Steve McElroy
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THINK AGAIN: Nicola Sturgeon was commenting in the ISP report
THE woman with the power to save Vale hospital services has spoken for the first time since an independent report was published on the subject last month.
Nicola Sturgeon, cabinet secretary for Health and Wellbeing, said it was “imperative” that the views of patients and the public are taken into account.
The comments indicate Ms Sturgeon will be looking for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (GGC) to come back with a more satisfactory set of options for the hospital.
The independent review panel chaired by Professor Angus Mackay submitted a report to Ms Sturgeon which was critical of GGC tactics and lack of consultation in its bid to make service cuts.
The report suggested GGC re-thinks its procedures and provide options to the public on proposed changes of hospital services.
The minister said: “It is imperative that NHS Boards engage with patients and the public and that their views are fully taken into account as proposals to service change are developed.
“The remit of the Independent Scrutiny Panel (ISP), which I set up to consider GGC proposals, included assessing the degree to which the Board’s pre-consultation proposals appropriately took account of the views of local stakeholders.
“The ISP received an interim report from the Scottish Health Council (SHC) on the Board’s engagement process to inform this part of the work.”
Ms Sturgeon said she expects to take full account of the findings of the ISP in developing its proposals for public consultation and continued: “As with any proposals for significant services change, the final decision will rest with ministers.
“In making a decision I will take full account of all the available information, including the ISP report and the SHC report on the Board’s consultation process.”
“I am clear that the board need to come back with better options that will see services retained at the Vale.”
GGC will discuss the ISP report at its next meeting today (Tuesday) at 9.30am.
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