Sturgeon ordered to ‘get a grip’ on St John’s situation

HEALTH Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been told to “get a grip” on the situation at St John’s Hospital after a group of consultants slammed plans to close the children’s ward for three weeks this summer.

A letter sent from consultants at St John’s claimed the temporary closure of the ward – due to start on Monday – was “wrong” and could put patients in danger.

Scottish Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, Jackie Baillie MSP, said: “This is yet more troubling news from an NHS that is creaking from one crisis to another; Nicola Sturgeon needs to get a grip, and fast.

“The fact that officials decided to close wards without up-to-date consultation with NHS staff is especially concerning. The shambles in workforce planning under the SNP government is really starting to show.

“However, this is what happens when you cut staffing levels to the bone in the way the SNP has done.”