4. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commit to no downgrading or closure of the children’s ward at St John’s hospital in Livingston. (S4O-05649)

The Royal College of Paediatric and Children’s Health is a recognised body that has been commissioned by NHS Lothian to undertake a review of its children’s services across all of the Lothians.

The independent review team should be allowed to complete its work. The opportunity to offer comments to the review team runs until 18 March.

This week, I attended two public meetings on the future of paediatrics across Lothian. I heard parents tell how a 24/7 children’s ward service at St John’s hospital is absolutely essential to their children’s lives. The message from those meetings is that no downgrade whatsoever will be accepted.

The minister can end the speculation and worry today. Will she commit to ensuring that there will be no downgrading of services at the hospital—yes or no?

The reason for the public meetings is to hear the views of parents. That is why those meetings are going on.

As I said, the independent review team should be allowed to get on and complete its work. The opportunity for parents and anyone else to offer comments to the review team runs until 18 March, and I encourage people to take that opportunity.