Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has urged the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman, to call a halt to the closure of Argyll and Bute’s last remaining specialist dementia care facility.
The Scottish Conservative MSP made his plea after being contacted by constituents worried about fate of the Knapdale Ward of Mid-Argyll Community Hospital in Lochgilphead.
Mr Cameron said: “There is widespread concern across the community that the Knapdale Ward is being earmarked for closure without a proper consultation."
“This prospect has caused consternation among relatives of the patients, as well as NHS staff and members of the wider community."
“As the patients concerned are very vulnerable and cannot speak up for themselves, it is very important that there is a consultation process which has the confidence of local people and in which they have been involved. This is sadly lacking at the moment."
“I very much hope the minister takes note of this concern and calls a halt to the process so that it can be properly reviewed and, hopefully, rescinded.”