UNISON questions Board over Monklands closure

UNISON Lanarkshire Health Branch has submitted a detailed paper to the Independent Scrutiny Panel (ISP) set up by Nicola Sturgeon MSP to re-evaluate the original proposals by NHS Lanarkshire to reconfigure accident & emergency (A&E) services and 'downgrade' Monklands Hospital A&E - one of the busiest in Scotland.

The union supports keeping three A&E departments (Monklands, Hairmyres, and Wishaw). However UNISON does not want the retention to come at the cost of other services - especially Mental Health or Care of the Elderly, and suggests that the ISP should recommend strongly that NHSLanarkshire abandon its reliance on expensive PFI funding.

Lilian Macer, Chair of UNISON NHS Lanarkshire said, "Members of NHSLanarkshire's board (with the exception of the one) need to reflect on why they promoted their previous recommendations for A&E as the only and best model of delivery. "

Mary Samson, Lanarkshire Branch Secretary said, "We support the retention of three full A&E Departments to allow for a proportionate and sustainable level of sub-specialisation, and with elective surgery at a site with access to intensive care facilities."

UNISON maintains that major capital investments for the long term must ensure value for money, be based on buildings and service configurations which stand the test of time.

John Gallacher, Regional Officer, said, "The Scottish Government should ensure that NHS Lanarkshire is fairly treated under the allocation of future budgets.

"This is essential to ensure the Board can revise and take forward its Strategy for A&E Services in Lanarkshire, as well as other key services"

UNISON's original response to the board said the case for moving away from three A&E Departments had not been made.

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