SCOTLAND'S only NHS centre for adults born with a heart condition drafted in London doctors because it was running with just one dedicated specialist. The Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank treats patients after they leave paediatric care at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children or adults who are newly diagnosed with defects.
New NHS standards came into force in January for the care of adults with childhood heart complaints which state that the national service should be staffed by four dedicated specialists.
However, it is understood the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SAACS) has been staffed by just one dedicated consultant for some time due to staff absence.
Board papers from November state that the service was being propped up by general cardiologists and support from the dedicated unit at St Guy's hospital in London after being "left vulnerable" due to consultant absences.
According to the hospital, there are two dedicated consultants. A spokeswoman said two new specialists are due to start in April and December.
Read more: Glasgow family raise £100k for families of children born with a heart condition
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common types of birth defect and there is thought to be around 20,000 people living with conditions such as cardiomyopathy or valve defects.
Deaths from congenital heart disease in childhood have fallen 83% in the last 25 years, which has led to a significant increase in the numbers of adults requiring specialist care.
However, according to the British Journal of Cardiology, the consultant workforce across the UK is facing "substantial shortages" due to a lack of graduates specialising in the field. Barriers it says include graduates believing the specialism is "too dif
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