Terrible decision by Shona Robison MSP

It is with great sadness I write to say that Shona Robison Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport has sanctioned the closure of Edinburgh’s Surgical Cleft Unit. This has come as a terrible blow to the cleft community, especially the horrible timing of the announcement only a few days before Christmas. Families are reeling in shock and desperately worried about the future cleft care for their children. It isn’t all bad news, we have won many concessions but do we trust these promises? We have had written promises/ assurances in the past, only 18 months ago we had written assurances the Edinburgh Cleft surgical unit was safe! Is it worth the ink to print the new promises? Only time will tell. I want to take this opportunity to thank absolutely everyone who helped in any way big or small, your contribution, without a doubt, helped us achieve the concessions we did. The battle may have been lost, fortunately, with few casualties, we even gained some ground but the war isn’t over! We intend to fight on to ensure that we get the best possible care for our children. Miles Briggs MSP is already in correspondence with Shona Robison MSP seeking answers to our many questions. There is a promise of a review after 6 months with the review to be carried out by NSD (the organisation that was responsible for overseeing the consultation process). I really don't hold out much hope for that being carried out to our satisfaction. The exact nature of the review is unclear at the moment. Does it mean if we prove this isn’t working the decision will be reversed? Who knows, all I know is that my keyboard is getting a rest over Christmas and I start the next round of our campaign in the New Year? If you are unhappy with the decision to close the Edinburgh unit I would encourage you to write directly to Shona Robison advising her of your views. I will write again in the new year when I have more information. In the meantime, I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and a good New Year. Kind Regards Evonne