Ross says intention has always been to close Leanchoil
Moray MP Douglas Ross says a consultation launched this week by the Moray Integrated Joint Board about provision of healthcare in Forres shows a clear intention to close Leanchoil Hospital for good, against the wishes of the local community.
Douglas said: “I have asked multiple times about the plans for Leanchoil given concerns that have been raised with me about its future. I’ve always been told that closure was a temporary measure due to staffing problems, yet this proposal for future health care in Forres is based on a model which assumes Leanchoil is no longer open.
“As this is something that I have been asking about for months along with Forres Community Council and local councillors, why haven’t they been more upfront about their intentions? This consultation smacks of a tick-box exercise after a decision has already been made, rather than genuinely seeking the views of local people.
“Leanchoil closing could be devastating for vulnerable and older people in Forres who rely on having a local hospital where friends and family can support and visit them, rather than isolate them in hospitals miles away from where they live. What is clear however, is that we had not received enough funding from the Scottish Government to maintain our local services. The Moray Integration Joint Board clearly state that reduced funding is one of the key reasons they are looking to change the delivery model for healthcare in Moray.
“I have written to the Moray Integration Joint Board to ask why the consultation has been produced on the basis Leanchoil will not be in operation, and what we can do to support local people who rely on it. We also need to know what their plans are for the building if it is ultimately closed.”