Nicola Sturgeon has promised that the proposed closure of half of Scotland’s hospital laundries will not proceed if the move jeopardises efforts to control coronavirus.
The SNP leader intervened in the row about NHS plans to close four of the eight laundries in mainland Scotland, saying coronavirus will be “very much a factor in deciding the best way forward”.
The Press and Journal revealed in October that health chiefs were considering the cost-saving measure, and earlier this week we reported that the proposal would go before NHS board chief executives for approval by April.
More than 500 staff work in the service across Scotland.
According to internal memos, the centralisation plan is “designed to inform the provision of a future laundry service for NHS Scotland that is efficient is efficient, effective and sustainable”.
The eight laundries under review are located at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, Borders General Hospital, Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, St John’s Hospital in Livingston, Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, the West of Scotland Laundry in Wishaw and Hillington Laundry in Glasgow.
Fresh concerns about the move have been raised this week in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith quizzed Health Secretary Jeane Freeman on the move on Tuesday.
And Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard raised it at first minister’s questions today, calling on the government to “place a moratorium” on the plans.
.@LabourRichard asks about moratorium on plans to close NHS laundries leaving four to serve mainland Scotland, raised in GMB letter to FM
manage risks@NicolaSturgeon says final decision taken by health secretary but dealing with coronavirus will be a factor in this#FMQs pic.twitter.com/swSSvPaRkg
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) March 5, 2020
In response, Ms Sturgeon said: “The Laundry Programme Board has been seeking to develop a new action plan to ensure that services are safe and sustainable.
“No proposals relating to this have come to ministers to consider. We have been waiting for NHS chief executives to review the business case.
“Of course the final decision will be taken by the cabinet secretary for health.
“She has already said, I think, but if not I will say it today, that the current and emerging situation with coronavirus will be very much a factor in deciding the best way forward for this.
“There will be no plans approved by the Scottish Government that we think in any way puts at risk the steps we have to take to deal with this situation.”
