6. To ask the First Minister when the children’s ward at the Royal Alexandra hospital will close. (S5F-01952)

As I said earlier, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport approved NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s proposals on two conditions: first, that the health board maintains and develops community-based paediatric services and maximises local provision: and, secondly, that the board must work directly with families on specific individual treatment plans. Those plans must be in place before any service changes are made and will ensure that there is full understanding of what services and support will be available to local families and where. The board has given the assurance that there will be no change made to the service until the individual patient plans are in place.

M y community understands that there is a debate to be had about localisation and specialisation, but in an area as sensitive as children’s services the least that people deserve is an honest debate. During an election campaign, the First Minister gave a calculated and cynical answer that she thought she could get away with. She is right that I did not trust her answer: I thought that she was trying to mislead people and I have been proved right.

Last week, the health secretary tried to sneak her decision out on a Friday afternoon, and local Scottish National Party politicians who once accused campaigners of scaremongering now applaud the decision in Parliament. On two occasions, the health secretary has snubbed an invitation to meet the parents who will have to live with her decision. Does the First Minister understand why so many people—including Gordon Clark, who is in the gallery today—feel betrayed? What will she learn and change from the disgraceful way that her Government and party have treated the people of Paisley?

The First Minister:

I do not agree with or accept that characterisation. The substance of the issue is what matters most. The health secretary met parents twice before making the decision, and I understand that the chair of the health board wants to organise a meeting with parents to discuss the individual patient plans that are to be put in place. The health secretary is happy to attend that meeting. On-going engagement with parents is vital.

Neil Bibby asked me what lessons have been learned. As everybody who has been in the position of taking such decisions knows, they are never easy. Health secretaries have to look at the evidence in the round. The views of parents are hugely important but, ultimately, it is about providing the best services for sick children.

I have already quoted a number of clinicians. I am sorry, but I do not think that such views from experts and specialist clinicians should be ignored. They were the basis for the decision. However, the community services that are to be provided are also important, and on that I think parents are absolutely right to continue to ask questions. That is why the conditions that are attached to the decision are so important and why the health secretary will make sure that both are met in full before any service change proceeds.