Press Release
21st June 2001
McNeil Vows to "Leave no Stone Unturned" in Maternity Services Consultation
MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has vowed to continue to robustly make the case for the Rankin Maternity Unit.
The ongoing review of maternity services in Argyll & Clyde has entered its second phase, with the publication today of 4 options for the future of the service by the Steering Group.
They are:
Mr McNeil, who has been campaigning against any downgrading of the Rankin Unit for over a year, has received assurances that the consultation process on the options will be open and transparent.
He said:
"I am of course disappointed that none of the proposals recommend the Rankin as the lead specialist unit and will read the Steering Group’s full report on their recommendations with interest. It is important, though, to stress that no decisions have been taken. There is still all to play for. There are now several clear options for debate and it is up to us to make sure that the case for the Rankin is heard.
"There is a triple lock on this process. The list of options will now go to the Acute Trust Board. If approved by the Trust, they will go to the Health Board. If approved by the Health Board, there must be a full-blown consultation exercise, involving the public, staff, and organisations.
"I have been assured that this consultation process will be open, accessible and will allow for maximum participation. It will not, therefore, take place over the summer holidays.
"I look forward to working with the community to ensure no stone is left unturned in making the case for local maternity services."
ENDS
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Articles ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ UK Online ] [ Scottish Parliament ]