Families in West Lothian are facing a prolonged wait of up to three years for the children’s unit at St John’s Hospital in Livingston to fully reopen, according to recent revelations. The delay has sparked concerns among parents and healthcare advocates, who argue that the extended closure could place additional strain on nearby hospitals and leave families without local access to essential paediatric care.
The unit, which has been operating at reduced capacity since 2017 due to staffing shortages, was initially expected to resume full services sooner. However, ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining specialist paediatric staff have pushed the timeline further back. This situation has left many families in the region feeling frustrated and anxious about the availability of care for their children.
Dr. Fiona McQueen, Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer, acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “Recruiting and retaining specialist staff in paediatric care remains a significant challenge, particularly in areas outside major cities.” She emphasised that efforts are being made to address the issue, including targeted recruitment campaigns and partnerships with universities to train more paediatric specialists. However, these measures will take time to yield results.
In the meantime, families are being directed to alternative services, such as the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. While this ensures access to care, it also means longer travel times and additional logistical challenges for parents, particularly those with young children or limited transport options.
The extended closure has also raised broader questions about the sustainability of rural and regional healthcare services in Scotland. Experts warn that without significant investment in staffing and infrastructure, similar issues could arise in other areas. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called for urgent government action to address workforce shortages and ensure equitable access to care across the country.
For now, families in West Lothian are being advised to plan ahead and seek support from local healthcare providers where possible. Parents with concerns about their child’s health should contact their GP or NHS 24 for guidance. While the wait for the full reopening of St John’s children’s unit is undoubtedly frustrating, health officials assure the public that every effort is being made to restore services as quickly and safely as possible.
