Heart patient move sparks war of words

A FRESH row has broken out between NHS Lothian and a campaign group supporting a West Lothian hospital over heart care.

The health board and Action to Save St John's Hospital were already in disagreement about a proposal to move some emergency cardiac patients from the Livingston facility into Edinburgh.

Now, following a meeting between the two, the rift has deepened.

Dr Neal Uren, clinical director of cardiology, is behind the plans.

He said: "Under the new proposals patients meeting agreed criteria could be transferred directly to the ERI from A&E at St John's so that they can receive faster treatment."

He added this would only affect around 150 patients a year.

However, a statement from the party - which has three councillors - read: "We have always welcomed measures that would improve patient pathways, but it is still unclear that this proposal will.

"If this is consultation, it is by the back door, and only when NHS Lothian gets caught out."