Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD WELCOMES NHS GRAMPIAN UPDATE ON MORAY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Richard Lochhead MSP has received an update from NHS Grampian on plans to refurbish and improve in-patient mental health facilities at Dr Gray’s Hospital.

NHS Grampian confirmed that a joint-project team has been established to lead on the refurbishment of Dr Gray’s Pluscarden Ward and the construction of an MRI scanner. ​​​

Mr Lochhead has said it is vital that NHS Grampian ensure a suitable number of in-patient beds remain available locally for Moray patients whilst work to modernise the local mental health ward and construction of the MRI scanner is carried out.

Commenting, Moray’s SNP MSP said:

“It is clear from NHS Grampian’s response that demand of mental health services in Moray and across Grampian is greater than ever before, with the health board seeing a significant increase in new referrals last year.

“Pluscarden Clinic and the in-patient facilities at Dr Gray’s deliver vital services and resources for many of my Moray constituents and I do welcome plans to ensure the ward is modernised – it is important that patients have access to the best possible care and facilities locally.

“This investment, alongside the construction of the MRI scanner, will clearly mean some disruption at Dr Gray’s whilst work is carried out and NHS Grampian must ensure that access to and quality of care is not impacted during that period. That means the health board must ensure in-patient beds for mental health patients are available in Moray throughout these works.

“I intend to be in regular contact with NHS Grampian as plans for this work progress and if any constituents have concerns about these services locally then they are welcome to get in touch with my office.”