Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has told NHS Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board: “Don’t make the same mistake and listen to the people!”
His stark warning comes ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the IJB tomorrow to discuss the future of the four cottage and community hospitals at Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Thornhill and Moffat.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “I would encourage the board to take full cognisance of the views of the people when it comes to deciding on the future role of these much-loved cottage hospitals.
“The consultation process probably attracted the biggest turn-out of the public in years and demonstrated the strong affinity they have with these four hospitals.
“The IJB has previously ignored the overwhelming desire of the public to return maternity services in Stranraer despite this being the view expressed by an independent-led review by health experts.”
Mr Carson attended meetings in his constituency where the strong opinion was to see a return of services axed during the Covid pandemic.
He explained: “The views being expressed were quite emphatic and it is crucial that the IJB takes on board their opinions.
“The IJB must ensure that it does not let them down again as they did over maternity services in Stranraer. They must listen for once and not ignore what the local residents want when it comes to health services.
“If necessary the IJB need to press the Scottish Government for more funding if people are to enjoy proper health and social care services as close to home as possible.”
The consultation gave six options with council officers at Dumfries and Galloway Council insisting the reopening of Newton Stewart was deemed “neither achievable or desirable”.
However a motion by Councillor Pauline Drysdale suggesting a “7th Option”, a blended option which includes a minimum of two palliative, end of life beds and two respite care beds alongside some community services, won cross party support.
Welcoming the decision, the local constituency MSP said the plan had the majority support of the local community.
He said: “This welcome news comes after years of campaigning including a petition which I facilitated which collected 1000's of signatures to resume service at our cottage hospitals.
“Let’s hope that this time the IJB take the right decision, unlike the disgraceful move to downgrade maternity service in Stranraer.”
