Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP LEARNS THAT LEANCHOIL ALTERNATIVES BEING CONSIDERED

MSP for Moray, Richard Lochhead, has received a response from the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian, following a letter he wrote seeking information about the future of Leanchoil after the matter was raised by a constituent at a recent surgery in Forres.

The Chief Executive has advised that questions over the future of the community hospital have been raised for some time and that the activity at Leanchoil has diminished significantly following completion of the new health centre in the town.  He added that there are now just 9 inpatient beds in use and that the rest of the hospital is out of use.  NHS Grampian stressed that the care there continues to be of a high quality and that they are looking at alternatives in Forres to ensure that their model of care in the town is achievable beyond the unit before making any decisions. 

NHS Grampian also clarified that they are not currently in the position to progress any change and that they will be embarking on opportunities to engage with the local community in the hope that a mutual decision can be made about the hospital to provide a good health and care system for the people of Forres.  

Commenting, Richard Lochhead said:

“The future of Leanchoil has often been raised with me by constituents from Forres and the surrounding area and this is a matter I have raised with NHS Grampian on a number of occasions over the years.  Indeed, this is the first  time that NHS Grampian has informed me that they will be looking at alternative options to provide inpatient care within a modern setting.

“As is often the case, I am aware that there will be mixed views on this issue and I am therefore pleased to note that NHS Grampian has committed to engaging with the local community to consider future arrangements and I would encourage anyone with a view on the matter to make it known to NHS Grampian.  I will continue to pay close attention to this issue in the months ahead.”