Families across Perth and Kinross are expressing deep concern and shock following the proposed closure of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. These plans, put forward by Holyrood, suggest a significant reduction in Scotland’s specialist neonatal facilities, consolidating eight units down to just three across the country. The potential closure of the NICU at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital is also under consideration, with a final decision from the Scottish Government anticipated by the end of next week.
For expectant parents and those with newborns in the Perthshire region, this proposal introduces a distressing prospect: if these plans are approved, very sick or premature babies from our area would no longer receive their most critical care close to home. Instead, families would face journeys to distant facilities in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, adding immense logistical and emotional strain during an already challenging time. The Far-Reaching Impact on Local Families
The sentiment from concerned individuals is unanimous: the potential loss of the Ninewells NICU is a blow to regional healthcare accessibility. Many local residents vividly recall their own experiences or those of loved ones who depended on the unit’s life-saving services. The thought of adding significant travel to an already traumatic situation has sparked widespread anxiety.
One local parent, whose child required intensive care, highlighted the existing difficulties, stating that even short distances become immense when a child’s life hangs in the balance. “The idea of having to travel from Perth to Aberdeen or Glasgow with a critically ill newborn, potentially for weeks or months, is unimaginable,” they remarked. “Especially in winter, when the A9 or M90 can be treacherous, the delays could be catastrophic. What if a transfer is needed in an emergency? Every minute counts.” Logistical Nightmares and Emotional Burdens
The proposed changes present a multitude of challenges beyond immediate medical concerns. Families often face an already overwhelming situation when a baby requires NICU care. Introducing lengthy and frequent travel exacerbates this. Parents frequently raised concerns about the practicalities of maintaining a presence at their baby’s bedside while managing other family responsibilities, such as caring for older children or continuing work commitments.
“How can a mother, recovering from childbirth and dealing with the immense stress of a sick baby, be expected to commute between Perth and, say, Glasgow every day?” questioned another local voice. “It forces an impossible choice: either be constantly away from your newborn or neglect your other children at home. It’s a hellish scenario that no family should ever have to face, let alone for potentially months on end.” The financial implications of fuel, accommodation, and time off work also weigh heavily on families already under significant pressure. A Unit Described as ‘Life-Saving’
Throughout the discussions, a recurring theme has been the deep gratitude for the current Ninewells NICU and the fear that lives could be lost if it were to close. Multiple parents recounted how the unit’s proximity and the expertise of its staff were directly responsible for their children’s survival.
One father from Kinross shared his harrowing experience: “My twins were born extremely premature. There was already a shortage of space, and we were told one might have to go to Aberdeen and the other to Edinburgh. Thankfully, Ninewells made room. The staff saved my wee girls’ lives. Closing such a critical facility is unthinkable; it feels like putting a price on human life.” Another mother described the plans as “horrific,” stressing the importance of having specialist care within immediate reach, particularly for young parents who might lack the support networks or financial resources for extensive travel.
The unit has been consistently lauded for its dedicated doctors and nurses, whose tireless efforts have led to countless positive outcomes for vulnerable infants. The community widely believes that consolidating services could undermine this vital care and the successful recovery rates the region has come to depend on. The Government’s Stance
Responding to the mounting public concern, Scottish Government health minister Jenni Minto provided clarification on the proposals. She stated: “These three neonatal intensive care units will offer the most specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies. Local neonatal units will continue to offer care to babies who need it, including a level of neonatal intensive care, and no neonatal units are closing as part of these plans.”
While the Minister’s statement indicates that local units would continue to provide some level of neonatal intensive care, and that no units are *closing* outright (implying consolidation or downgrading rather than complete removal), the core concern among Perth and Kinross families remains about where the *most specialist and complex care* will be located, and the significant travel burdens this will impose. The community awaits the final decision with bated breath, hoping that the voices of those directly affected will be heard and taken into account.
For expectant parents and those with newborns in the Perthshire region, this proposal introduces a distressing prospect: if these plans are approved, very sick or premature babies from our area would no longer receive their most critical care close to home. Instead, families would face journeys to distant facilities in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, adding immense logistical and emotional strain during an already challenging time. The Far-Reaching Impact on Local Families
The sentiment from concerned individuals is unanimous: the potential loss of the Ninewells NICU is a blow to regional healthcare accessibility. Many local residents vividly recall their own experiences or those of loved ones who depended on the unit’s life-saving services. The thought of adding significant travel to an already traumatic situation has sparked widespread anxiety.
One local parent, whose child required intensive care, highlighted the existing difficulties, stating that even short distances become immense when a child’s life hangs in the balance. “The idea of having to travel from Perth to Aberdeen or Glasgow with a critically ill newborn, potentially for weeks or months, is unimaginable,” they remarked. “Especially in winter, when the A9 or M90 can be treacherous, the delays could be catastrophic. What if a transfer is needed in an emergency? Every minute counts.” Logistical Nightmares and Emotional Burdens
The proposed changes present a multitude of challenges beyond immediate medical concerns. Families often face an already overwhelming situation when a baby requires NICU care. Introducing lengthy and frequent travel exacerbates this. Parents frequently raised concerns about the practicalities of maintaining a presence at their baby’s bedside while managing other family responsibilities, such as caring for older children or continuing work commitments.
“How can a mother, recovering from childbirth and dealing with the immense stress of a sick baby, be expected to commute between Perth and, say, Glasgow every day?” questioned another local voice. “It forces an impossible choice: either be constantly away from your newborn or neglect your other children at home. It’s a hellish scenario that no family should ever have to face, let alone for potentially months on end.” The financial implications of fuel, accommodation, and time off work also weigh heavily on families already under significant pressure. A Unit Described as ‘Life-Saving’
Throughout the discussions, a recurring theme has been the deep gratitude for the current Ninewells NICU and the fear that lives could be lost if it were to close. Multiple parents recounted how the unit’s proximity and the expertise of its staff were directly responsible for their children’s survival.
One father from Kinross shared his harrowing experience: “My twins were born extremely premature. There was already a shortage of space, and we were told one might have to go to Aberdeen and the other to Edinburgh. Thankfully, Ninewells made room. The staff saved my wee girls’ lives. Closing such a critical facility is unthinkable; it feels like putting a price on human life.” Another mother described the plans as “horrific,” stressing the importance of having specialist care within immediate reach, particularly for young parents who might lack the support networks or financial resources for extensive travel.
The unit has been consistently lauded for its dedicated doctors and nurses, whose tireless efforts have led to countless positive outcomes for vulnerable infants. The community widely believes that consolidating services could undermine this vital care and the successful recovery rates the region has come to depend on. The Government’s Stance
Responding to the mounting public concern, Scottish Government health minister Jenni Minto provided clarification on the proposals. She stated: “These three neonatal intensive care units will offer the most specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies. Local neonatal units will continue to offer care to babies who need it, including a level of neonatal intensive care, and no neonatal units are closing as part of these plans.”
While the Minister’s statement indicates that local units would continue to provide some level of neonatal intensive care, and that no units are *closing* outright (implying consolidation or downgrading rather than complete removal), the core concern among Perth and Kinross families remains about where the *most specialist and complex care* will be located, and the significant travel burdens this will impose. The community awaits the final decision with bated breath, hoping that the voices of those directly affected will be heard and taken into account.