Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, has secured a Member’s debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, May 10th to highlight the importance of St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow and to ensure it is retained as a hospital facility.
In August 2021 the decision was taken by West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to close St Michael’s temporarily using emergency powers, under pressure of short-term staff shortages across West Lothian. In June 2022, a report to the West Lothian Integration Joint Board contained two recommendations – that St Michael’s should remain closed, or a public consultation be held with all relevant parties to review future bed space requirements at St Michael’s.
Fiona’s debate will be held on Wednesday 10th May after Decision Time at 5pm, subject to agreement by Parliament. Members of the public can acquire tickets to attend Parliament to sit in the gallery for the duration of the debate by contacting Visitor’s Services at visit@parliament.scot or through the Scottish Parliament’s visitor booking system: https://www.parliament.scot/visit/tickets-for-debates-and-meetings/chamber-tickets/request-parliamentary-business-tickets
Fiona commented,
“I am delighted that my motion has received cross part support and will be debated in Parliament on Wednesday, 10th May.
“Since the initial closure of St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow, announced as a temporary measure because of NHS staffing issues elsewhere, I have supported the Friend’s of St Michael’s Hospital that is be retained and re-opened as a health care facility for older people across West Lothian. I have met a number of times with the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and the well supported Friends of St Michael’s Group, who organised a packed meeting attended by hundreds in Cross House earlier in the year.
“This debate will allow me – and others across the Parliament from all political parties – to voice their support for the retention of St Michael’s hospital and to reiterate the clear view of local people, that a health facility in the north of the county is vital for those requiring end of life, respite and step-down intermediary care.”
ENDS