Moray MP voices concern about plans for Leanchoil Hospital
Moray MP Douglas Ross has expressed his deep concern about the future for Leanchoil Hospital after receiving confirmation from the head of Moray Health and Social Care that closure is looking increasingly likely due to staffing problems.
Commenting Douglas said: “I was disappointed to learn from a member of the public that a meeting had been held to discuss ongoing staffing issues at Leanchoil Hospital and that imminent closure plans had been discussed.
“Given the ongoing concerns about maternity services at Dr Gray’s and the closure of the children’s ward, both due to staffing issues, it is deeply concerning to hear that one of our local cottage hospitals is also under threat due to staffing problems.
“There has been concern about Leanchoil for some time and just days ago I received a response from NHS Grampian about it, which states, very clearly, that the hospital’s future would be discussed again in November. Now we have an admission that the NHS are in fact working towards closure of Leanchoil by November, and that the building could be available for a Community Asset Transfer soon afterwards, which in many ways looks like closure has been decided already.
“When our new Forres health centre was built, plans for day beds were scrapped and Leanchoil has continued to be used to prevent bed blocking in Dr Gray’s and also provide a facility where people can recover before being discharged home.
“Now beds at Leanchoil have been reduced to just four and we are seeing elderly patients sent across Moray for their care rather than being placed locally here in Forres.
“The timeframe for this is still being given as November, but due to staffing issues, I have been told by the Head of Moray Health and Social Care that it could happen within days or at any time if staffing numbers fall.
“I understand that models of care, particularly for the elderly are evolving, and that discussion has been ongoing with the community about future provision, but I feel that there needs to be more clarity on what is happening.”
Forres Conservative councillor Claire Feaver added: “The people of Forres will be worried by this. Leanchoil has provided a vital service to the community for generations and could still have an important role to play.
“We already have people from Forres, often elderly, being transferred to Buckie and Dufftown to recuperate after stays in hospital. These places are almost impossible to reach by public transport which adds hugely to the stress placed on families.
“With this closure decision possibly imminent there seems to be no prospect of a change for the better. “