Letters: Thriving thanks to the care and dedication at Sick Kids

My daughter Louise, aged 14, has cerebral palsy. She is quadriplegic, has seizure activity, is fed through a tube in her stomach and communicates through facial expressions and slight hand movements.

Over the past 14 years we have been in every ward in the Sick Kids and at no time have we felt that Louise has been treated with neglect and indifference. She has been very ill on several occasions and her treatment has been outstanding.

Only two years ago she had a spinal fusion operation where she was in theatre for ten hours. It was a major operation to improve her quality of life. There was never any question of her being treated any differently to any other patient.

The NHS would not have spent thousands of pounds treating Louise if they felt that her life was of any less value than that of others.

Yes, should things not go well for Louise at any time the "Do Not Resuscitate" question has been asked but this was done with sensitivity and with no inference whatsoever that this was a life not worth living.

Children like Louise are vulnerable and one has to be realistic - a seizure could be fatal, chest infections can become serious, other complications can set in. As a parent I have to live with this every day. My reply to the "Do Not Resuscitate" question was, no matter what, I would want my daughter to be given every chance to live, and this has been respected by all professionals.

My daughter is thriving today thanks to the dedication, treatment and compassionate care she received and still receives from the nurses, consultants and surgeons at the Sick Kids Edinburgh.

Josie Cameron, Kirkliston

Job help for those who need it most

THE decision by Amazon, to create 900 jobs at a new customer service centre in the city centre is clear evidence of Edinburgh's ongoing resilience in the face of the economic downturn, and recovery from it.While the latest jobless figures may point to the stabilisation of unemployment in Edinburgh and to a rosier picture than that facing the rest of the UK, I am not nave enough to believe we are out of the woods yet - particularly in relation to youth unemployment.

This is why yesterday I joined Damian Yeats, chief executive of Skills Development Scotland, and fellow councillor and Education Convener, Marilyne MacLaren, to sign a Service Delivery Agreement between our organisations, ensuring better alignment of resources and, with that, a more effective and joined-up service for young people seeking employment.

We will work closely with SDS, and other partners, to assist with Amazon's recruitment and selection process.

We can help Amazon to enjoy a softer landing into the city while at the same time creating job opportunities for the people who need them most.

Tom Buchanan, Economic Development Convener, Edinburgh City Council

Too little too late for tram project

I WAS taken aback by the announcement that transport convener Gordon Mackenzie has been having discussions with a private firm about building and running part of the tram scheme (News, June 14).

This is too little, too late. In only two weeks from now, this council will make a key decision on the future of trams and it is folly at this stage to start flying more transport kites.

What the public need is leadership that brings certainty and clarity about the tram project.

So, come on Cllr Mackenzie, let's get Edinburgh moving.

Lesley Hinds, Labour Spokesperson on Transport Infrastructure

Heard the one about the SNP?

I HAVE never laughed so hard as I did when I watched the SNP's Kenny MacAskill talking about the threat of global warming in Scotland. Eh?

We have about two weeks of glorious weather every year with the remainder consisting of battering winds, torrential rain, grey skies and unprecedented levels of snow.

Has Mr MacAskill considered a career as a comedian?

Alan Lough, Dunbar