Both the Wishaw Press and the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser ran stories this week claiming NHS Lanarkshire was attempting to keep under wraps the trauma and orthopaedic review until after the election.

However we assured both newspapers that this was definitely not the case and that the health board has been very open in identifying the need to change the delivery of orthopaedic services and that since 2013 NHS Lanarkshire has been working with stakeholders including public, patient and clinical representatives in the review to identify a service model that will improve outcomes for patients and provide a sustainable service.

It was also pointed out that this need was underlined by the findings in the Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) Rapid Improvement Report in December 2013 and that the review of these services is also taking account of the national review of trauma services which is underway.

We also stressed to both newspapers that the review process is still on-going and has not concluded and provided a clear commitment to the continued provision of three emergency departments (A&Es) which will each have surgery, medicine, ITU, diagnostics and outpatients within Lanarkshire. There is also clear and overwhelming evidence that supports the view that orthopaedic changes would not impact on the provision of A&E services.

We also had to clarify points made in last week’s newspapers made about the dermatology service saying that we will continue to provide inpatient care at Monklands Hospital when this is needed by patients with a dermatological condition.

We also reminded them that where such patients are admitted to a nominated medical ward, the dermatology team will provide clinical advice, regular review of care and discharge of the patient.  These staffing arrangements will ensure that patients continue to receive dedicated dermatological care from appropriately trained staff.