Ross welcomes community initiative for Leanchoil Hospital
Moray MP Douglas Ross has given strong backing to an initiative being undertaken by Forres Community Council to secure the future of Leanchoil Hospital. Douglas met Moray Councillor Claire Feaver at Leanchoil to express his support.
Douglas said: “I am delighted that the chairman of the community council, Graham Hilditch together with other community councillors, is speaking to NHS Grampian about Leanchoil.
As someone who grew up in Forres myself I fully understand how important Leanchoil is to the people of the town and the surrounding area. Members of my own family have benefited from care at Leanchoil and If NHS Grampian is no longer able to guarantee the future of Leanchoil then we have to look at other solutions to ensure that it remains a community facility.”
Councillor Feaver said: “I have been carrying out a survey in Forres and the overwhelming response from the community is that we need to do what we can to secure a positive future for Leanchoil. A very popular option would be for Leanchoil to be used for respite care or for helping people to rehabilitate after a spell in hospital if they are unable to immediately return home. At the moment too many people have to travel away from Forres for these services and that can make it difficult for friends and relatives to visit them.
“There may be other options for Leanchoil too, including a mixture of uses, and it is really good to know that the Community Council is seeking as wide a consultation process as possible.”
Forres Community Council chairman Graham Hilditch said: “I welcome the support of Douglas and Claire. It is really important that the community comes together to find a solution that allows Leanchoil to continue to be a valuable local resource.”