A pair of Fife MSPs are backing a campaign to halt the centralisation of surgery services for babies with cleft lip and palate.
Alex Rowley and Claire Baker met local campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament as they presented a 6,200-signature petition opposing moves to close the successful unit at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and move all surgery to Glasgow.
Mr Rowley has written to health secretary Shona Robison on behalf of concerned constituents asking her to reconsider the proposal.
The Scottish Government has said no final decision has been taken but following a consultation earlier this year plans were approved by NHS chief executives to centralise the service in Glasgow.
Families across mid Scotland and Fife who require specialised treatment for their children have criticised the plan, with many praising the Edinburgh unit for its high quality of care and world class service.
Mr Rowley said: “I have spoken with many families who are deeply worried about this closure.
“We need to protect vital NHS services and not make it more difficult for families to get the treatment they need for their children.
“I met with campaigners from Fife who told me why this service is so vital and I urge the health secretary to avoid making a decision that will see this important service suffer.”
Mrs Baker has also expressed concern that the removal of cleft surgical services from Edinburgh will have an adverse impact with a potential loss of expertise developed there.
“The time and cost from getting to Glasgow from the east can be substantial but can also potentially add strain at a time that can already be stressful for all involved,” she said.
“The decision by NHS Scotland to merge cleft surgical services to Glasgow is viewed by many to be short-sighted and goes against their own assurances given to campaigners at a public meeting.”
The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) has previously spoken out about a lack of evidence to show the existing two site model is not working and an Edinburgh GP has called to save the service.
The health secretary has said the review is an on-going process.
