Hospice decision provides only short term relief (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Hospice decision provides only short term relief

February 25, 2009 5:20 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Jo Swinson MP has welcomed today's decision to maintain NHS funding for St. Margaret's Hospice at current levels for a further three years, but warned that the Health Board must use this time to find a long-term solution for the hospice.

It was feared that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde would cut £1.2million from the budget of St. Margaret's Hospice in Clydebank this April, however today's decision delays the move until 2012.

Jo Swinson wrote to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon in January to request an independent review to investigate proposals put forward for the future of the Hospice, however Ms Sturgeon has so far refused to step in to resolve the uncertainty over the hospice's future.

Jo Swinson MPCommenting, Jo Swinson said:

"It will come as some relief to many of my constituents who rely on the hospice that its future is secure for the time being, however this decision has only delayed the problem and not solved it.

"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde still intend to move the hospice's 30 palliative care beds to Blawarthill in 2012. If this plan goes forward, the wealth of experience and expertise which has been built up at St. Margaret's over the years will be lost.

"The Health Board must use this window to review their plans for palliative care to ensure that the excellent service provided at St Margaret's remains."