HEALTH Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has ordered an "urgent investigation" after it emerged babies born at a maternity hospital were being wrapped in towels because of a shortage of blankets.
Ms Sturgeon intervened after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde admitted there may have been occasions at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital when linen stocks were depleted and newborn babies were wrapped in towels instead of being given blankets to maintain a healthy temperature after they were given their first bath.
The Royal College of Midwives has already launched its own investigation into the issue and suggested it could be linked to problems with the laundry system.
But a Scottish Government spokesman said last night: "The Health Secretary has asked NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to carry out an urgent investigation into this issue, and she has been assured by the health board that arrangements are in place to ensure there are sufficient stocks of blankets across all hospital sites in NHSGGC."
It comes after patients at another hospital in the health board – Royal Alexandra in Paisley – were facing a shortage of blankets.
First Minister Alex Salmond was forced to issue an apology and promised an investigation after meeting patients who were told hospital blankets were like "gold dust".
The health board cited "internal operational issues" for the shortage.
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