Politicians react to NHS crisis

Nov 30 2012 by Craig Robertson, Kilmarnock Standard

Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley MSP Willie Coffey backed baby Elijah’s parents campaign for answers over his death.

The SNP member said: “I support Jennifer and Alan’s need to fully understand what happened to Elijah. He was their son and they are entitled to all of the information about him and the care he should have received.

“Lessons must be learned from any tragic incident and we must be assured that they are being learned.

“I have made that clear in my dealings with Ayrshire and Arran and will be closely following progress with this and I am confident that John Burns will now be addressing this as a top priority.”

Kilmarnock and Loudoun Labour MP Cathy Jamieson called for the health board to learn lessons from the 64 critical incidents which have been revealed.

She said: “Whenever something goes wrong it is vital that proper investigations are carried out and lessons learned. Patients and families also need to have information.

“I feel for the parents who have lost their child and who are battling to find out what actually happened.

“The chief executive of the health board should now look afresh at all 64 reports to ensure that every identified issue is being addressed.

“This cannot undo past errors but it is a step to rebuilding confidence and ensuring that the dedicated front-line staff are properly supported in their work.”