Wishaw neonatal campaigners urge Neil Gray to halt downgrade plans
The new health secretary is facing calls from local families to instruct an independent review on the restructure
Campaigners are urging new health secretary, Neil Gray MSP, to halt plans to downgrade the neonatal unit at Wishaw General Hospital.
The 'Wishaw Neonatal Warriors' have been protesting against the move, which would see the level 3 unit downgraded to a level 2, since it was announced in summer last year.
The group's petition has amassed nearly 20,000 signatures, calling for an independent review into the decision.
READ MORE: Thousands sign petition to stop downgrade of Wishaw Neonatal Unit
It is part of The Scottish Government's five-year Forward Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Services report, which recommends care for premature babies be restructured.
It recommended that a smaller number of intensive care neonatal units, supported by local hospitals, would better meet current levels of demand.
In reality, that would look like three larger, intensive care units based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen with premature babies born in other areas transferred.
READ MORE: MSPs to hear campaign to stop the downgrade of Wishaw Neonatal Unit
Document outlining concerns
Campaigners have now pulled together a document which outlines concerns about the appraisal process, which led to Wishaw General's neonatal unit selection for downgrade.
The main worries highlighted are staffing levels and capacity at the larger units, and a lack of direct family consultation, as parents were represented by a charity.
The Scottish Government's position has been immovable on the subject, arguing that all expert advice points towards the restructure.
Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray is the MSP for Airdrie and Shotts - an area serviced by the neonatal unit in Wishaw - and campaigners now hope his appointment will breathe possibility into their asks.
'It seems absurd'
Lynne McRitchie spearheaded the campaign after giving birth to her son, Innes, prematurely.
She told Clyde 1 News the Health Minister must listen to his constituency: "When your baby is born prematurely, you have a fight ignite inside of you that you didn't even know you had.
"We're appealing directly to Neil Gray to please stop and listen to us and take this on board - it's not just going to go away.
"We also hope that an independent review is carried out before this decision is finalised.
"Our understanding is that there are restrictions around capacity and how units are going to be staffed.
"Over the years, Wishaw has had one of the highest staffing levels when other units have struggled to cover shifts, basically.
"There's been no direct consultation with families regarding the appraisal process and what those three units should be.
"It's also not clear why it needs to be three units rather than five.
"We know Wishaw has an award-winning neonatal unit and it just seems absurd."
Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.