Mums to hold neonatal downgrade protest outside Wishaw hospital
Campaigners are looking to halt a planned downgrade of the hospital's neonatal unit
The fight to stop Wishaw's award-winning neonatal unit from being downgraded is continuing with another demonstration outside of the hospital today.
Campaigners will be holding hands around the University Hospital Wishaw to try and convince ministers at the Scottish Government to think again.
It's the second demonstration in recent weeks, with a protest recently held outside Holyrood, as well as a petition with more than 10,000 signatures.
The demonstration also falls on World Prematurity Day.
READ MORE: Thousands sign petition to stop downgrade of Wishaw Neonatal Unit
Decision facing backlash
The decision to downgrade the unit could mean that some premature babies will be moved to other parts of Scotland if they require specialist treatment.
The larger units would be in either Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh - with some parents arguing the move would isolate the parents of a premature baby by taking them out of their local support network.
The Scottish Government's five-year Forward Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Services report recommends the delivery be redesigned to accommodate the current levels of demand, with a smaller number of intensive care neonatal units, supported by local hospitals.
READ MORE: MSPs to hear campaign to stop the downgrade of Wishaw Neonatal Unit
'This will tear families apart'
Clyde 1 News has also heard from the parents of premature babies, who feel that their newborns would not have survived a transfer to another unit.
Some mothers have said they feel the decision will "tear families apart", with politicians also backing the calls for a rethink.
Labour's Jackie Baillie said the move could risk the health of vulnerable babies.
'It's vitally important'
Speaking ahead of the demonstration today (Friday 17 November 2023), campaigner and mum Monica Sheen is sharing her story after giving birth to baby Alfie.
She told Clyde 1: "My son Alfie was born at 27 weeks, so three months early, and he was born weight 1lbs 6 oz.
"He was so small, so fragile, and he spent the first 139 days of his life in intensive care in Wishaw neonatal unit.
"He was on and off a ventilator for most of that time, and the staff there saved his life on countless occasions.
"The staff there were like family to us, and they looked after Alfie like he was their own.
"Wishaw neonatal unit is vitally important to the people of South Lanarkshire.
"The Scottish Government says it wants to create centres of excellence for neonatal care - they have one in Wishaw General Hospital.
"We are coming together as neonatal families past and present, along with supporters to celebrate World Prematurity Day.
"We want to send a clear message - we will not let this unit be downgraded without a fight.
"We want to protect this vital, vital service."
READ MORE: Scottish government urged to think again on Wishaw neonatal downgrade plans
'Based on clinical evidence'
The Scottish Government maintains that the decision has been based from clinical evidence, which shows that a very small number of babies will be impacted.
A spokesperson said: "No neonatal units are closing as part of these plans. Local neonatal units, including Wishaw, will continue to provide care to the vast majority of local babies who need it.
"The decision to move to three national Neonatal Intensive Care Units has been made in line with strong evidence and advice from expert clinicians that specialist care will improve health outcomes and save lives. These three units will offer specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies.”
'Committed to providing highest standard of care'
Judith Park, NHS Lanarkshire director of acute services, said: “While we are extremely disappointed that Lanarkshire will not be one of the specialist intensive care neonatal units, we accept the recommendations of the Best Start report for a new model of neonatal intensive care.
"We will work alongside Scottish Government, staff within our neonatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw and the local population on the next steps following this announcement.
“Our dedicated staff will remain committed to providing the highest standard of neonatal care to babies and families in Lanarkshire.”
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