Little Cause for Celebration at Vale of Leven

YOUR editorial rightly highlights the many issues and challenges at the Vale of Leven Hospital (August 8). Despite these difficulties, fears and uncertainties, many hard-working and loyal staff have remained there for decades – it is to their eternal credit that they did so and it must be remembered that the heart of the NHS is its staff.

The current Health Secretary stated that “the picture painted by the independent report of the facilities and procedures at the Vale of Leven is appalling and unacceptable and there should be no doubt NHS GGC owes the patients and the families concerned an unconditional apology”.

It was in the 1950s when all young medical students were taken to visit the inspirational and wonderful new hospital which was to be the future of hospital planning – the very vision of the modern NHS. It was to be the one hospital that any aspiring young medic would wish to have a placement. That hospital was the Vale of Leven, Alexandria.

This year we are asked to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NHS. Many are of the opinion that the management of two health boards, numerous Health Ministers and their legacy in the appalling neglect of what was at one time the icon of the Scottish NHS provide little cause for celebration.

Jean Johnston, Brincliffe, West Dhuhill Drive, Helensburgh.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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