Consultant's praise for NHS Lothian

A CONSULTANT has praised NHS Lothian for the care his late grandmother received in their hands.

The unnamed UK-based consultant physician said his gran had recently passed away at St John's Hospital in Livingston.

He had been impressed by the level of care provided for her by staff members in the West Lothian facility's Ward 23, praising workers in the face of financial difficulties.

In a letter to health chiefs that was presented at a conference, he wrote: "I am well aware the stresses in the NHS, limited resources, not enough staff, budgeting, management needs and complaints.

"But I just wanted to let you know that despite all of the stresses the staff of Ward 23 at St John's Hospital did not fail you, me but most importantly my Gran."

The consultant was referring to 31 million worth of savings NHS Lothian will have to make this year alone, which will have to be matched next year, and the prospect of losing about 2000 members of staff.