Question reference: S5W-17959
- Asked by: Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 1 August 2018
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 20 August 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it undertook a risk assessment regarding the impact on the Scottish Ambulance Service and its staff of the decision to temporarily downgrade women and children’s services at Dr Gray’s Hospital and the anticipated increase in hospital transfers and, if so, whether it will publish the assessment.
Answer
The decision to temporarily downgrade maternity and paediatric services at Dr Gray's Hospital was taken by NHS Grampian in the interests of patient safety. A risk assesment on the impact of these changes on the Scottish Ambulance Service is not something which would be undertaken by the Scottish Government.
I visited Dr Gray's Hospital earlier this month and met with staff from both NHS Grampian and the Scottish Ambulance Service. I know that the ambulance service has been in regular contact with NHS Grampian regarding these changes.