LISTEN: Hospital bosses vote to close children's ward at Paisley's RAH
The vote was cast 20 to 7 in favour of the closure.
Health bosses have voted to close the children’s ward at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.
The final decision rests with the Scottish Government, but if given the green light young people who use the service would now be transferred to the new children’s hospital in Glasgow.
Dozens of protestors attended today’s meeting to express their anger at plans to axe the facility but in the end medics said it was in the best interest of the patients to centralise services.
It is anticipated around 8,0006 episodes of care would transfer with 12,063 continuing at the RAH.
Our reporter Shiona McCallum was at the meeting:
John Brown, chairman, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Today we saw a detailed discussion on this service change following the conclusion of the consultation.
“Our staff carried out four consultation events and nine drop in sessions across the Clyde area to help patients and their families share their views with us and allow us to answer any questions they may have.
“The board has today recognised the overwhelming clinical support and decided that young patients from Clyde will now benefit from the same first class, state-of-the-art facilities as other children from across the West of Scotland who already attend the hospital.
"The RHC is one of the finest paediatric teaching hospitals in the UK and the largest in Scotland. The entire focus is around children and young people, with care provided in achild-friendly environment.”
It was also noted that four petitions, with approximately 6,600 signatures, were submitted on the service change to the board.
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan has reissued his call for Health Secretary Shona Robison to save the ward.
He said: “This is a terrible decision by the health board which will have a real impact on many Renfrewshire families. It should be investing in vital local services, not closing them.
“Of course we recognise there is a great facility in Glasgow but the board needs to take account of the feelings of local people, who have been very clear that they want these services to be delivered at Ward 15.
“Around 6,600 people have signed petitions to express their support for Ward 15. They cannot be ignored.”
He added: “In 2015 Health Secretary Shona Robison said in the Scottish Parliament that there were no plans to close Ward 15 and she congratulated the staff on their great work.
“We are now hoping she will be true to her word and use her powers to prevent services at this incredibly popular children’s ward being taken away from our communities.”