Moray SNP News

MSP TOLD NEW KEITH HEALTH CENTRE IS TOP MORAY PRIORITY

Richard Lochhead MSP has been told by NHS Grampian that Keith Health Centre is top of the replacement priority list for Moray.

The response came after Mr Lochhead wrote to the health board in support of the campaign for the health centre and hospital to be replaced following a meeting with the Keith Patient Participation Group and health centre staff.

NHS Grampian has confirmed in a letter to Mr Lochhead that Keith is first on the priority list in Moray and is in the top 10 in the region following a strategic needs assessment which was carried out during 2015/16.  Alan Gray, Director of Finance at NHS Grampian, stated that discussions between the health board and Moray’s Integration Joint Board are ongoing and that once service requirements are identified for Keith work will begin to identify the preferred solution. 

Moray’s MSP is due to meet with the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian in the coming weeks and will be raising the issue with him in an attempt to accelerate progress.  He has also committed to raising the campaign in Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“I very much welcome the clarification provided by NHS Grampian on the position on Keith Health Centre and where it sits on the health board’s list of priorities.

“Following my recent meeting with health centre staff and the Patient Participation Group I made it clear to NHS Grampian that it is time for them to commit to a replacement in the interests of patients care as well as the needs of staff. 

“Whilst they’re not in a position to give a timescale, it is positive that NHS Grampian and the Moray Integration Board are keen to make progress and that discussions are ongoing to identify the requirements for Keith and the surrounding area. 

“If we are to deliver health care in the community and attract the best medical staff to the area we need 21st century facilities, so I’m very eager for things to progress to the next stage as soon as possible and for costs to be drawn up, as I know patients and staff are too. 

“I’m due to meet with the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian in the coming weeks, with Keith Health Centre being high up the agenda, where I’ll be calling for the process to be accelerated.”