Published: Tuesday, 1st April, 2008 13:30
LIFE OR DEATH FOR VALE BIRTHS
Print Article
HEALTH BOARD: Tom Divers
The first of three crucial public consultations into axe-threatened services at the Vale has begun with assessment of the birthing unit.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board (GGC) began the consultation on Thursday with little prior warning.
It has since been accused of using underhand tactics in an exercise many already believe is a “sham”.
But campaigners have warned that Dumbarton and Vale residents need to take part or risk being forced to travel to Paisley or Glasgow for healthcare you can currently receive on the doorstep. If you want the choice to have your baby in the Vale, now is your time to speak up or the midwife-led birthing unit will be axed.
Mental Health services and the innovative Medical Assessment Unit are also under threat.
Their future is expected to be assessed in two further consultations still to be announced.
Health bosses say it is “not feasible” to keep the birthing suite open at the Vale Community Midwife Unit (CMU) because it is being poorly utilised.
Tom Divers — NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) chief executive — made the claim at the full meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council on Wednesday.
He said that almost a third of women were transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) during birth or in the hour after birth.
Mr Divers added that the cost of having a baby at the Vale at £5,753 compared to the RAH £1,836.
Mr Divers told councillors: “We have to look to where we can get reasonable value for money and this low service uptake does not seem to us the best use of public money in the circumstance.”
Another point made by Mr Divers was that GGC had to claw back £26m by March 2010 to fill a “Clyde deficit” which was incurred when the board took over NHS Argyll and Clyde in April 1, 2006.
He added: “Across all parts of the Clyde area it’s simply not possible to claw back £26m without some impact on services.”
FOR A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE MATERNITY CONSULTATION SEE THIS WEEK'S DUMBARTON AND VALE OF LEVEN REPORTER - ON SALE NOW
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Christmas songs played to sharks