Travel scheme for ill children is at risk
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A charity providing transport links to a Scottish hospital for young patients and relatives could be forced to abandon the scheme if plans to centralise some hospital services go ahead.
Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP), transports children and families to the Edinburgh-based Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
But the Scottish Government is considering a proposal to centralise some children's cancer and neurology services, which could see them moved away from Edinburgh.
Valerie Simpson, managing director and founder of CCLASP, warned the charity would not be able to afford fuel costs if the services moved to Glasgow.
She said: "The last thing we want to do is stop the service. People are always saying they don't know how they would manage without us. When you are undergoing treatment, your immune system is low and picking up an infection is potentially life-threatening."
The Scottish Government said no final decision has been made on the future of services and its priority would be ensuring children receive the best possible treatment.
