Salmond in talks over Insch day care

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has held talks with a health chief about the future of a service which provides respite for elderly people and their carers.

NHS Grampian announced the closure of the Insch War Memorial Hospital day care service last month. The hospital provides elderly or infirm people the opportunity to talk to medical staff and socialise with others.

The first minister said he was concerned at the “abrupt” cancellation of the service, so arranged a meeting with NHS Grampian boss Richard Carey to discuss the matter.

He said he was given an assurance that the employment of a nurse to provide the service will continue.

A spokesman for NHS Grampian said it will secure places for four group members with “complex needs” until alternative arrangements can be found for them.

Mr Salmond said: “The day care in Insch was developed by local GPs along with the community, and has the financial and logistical support of the Friends of Insch Hospital and Community.

“This provided an efficient and cost-effective service that helped keep those requiring some support in their own homes, both by allowing weekly professional assessment of their needs and respite for their carers. Many of the attendees were otherwise almost housebound, so it gave them a welcome day out as well.”

The NHS Grampian spokesman said: “We felt the meeting with Mr Salmond was positive and we were able to reassure him about our commitment to the hospital.

“There are a number of members who have quite complex needs and we have given them a commitment that we will continue to provide a service at the hospital until such time as better alternatives can be found. We reaffirmed that the group would have the continued support of a nurse, and we will continue dialogue with the community on the best way forward.”

The Friends have been seeking to negotiate with NHS Grampian since a proposal for a community-funded new health hub building received unanimous support at a public meeting in October, and have longer-term plans to renovate or replace the 90-year-old hospital.

Mr Salmond has offered to convene a meeting at a later date to map out the future of health care services in Insch between the Friends, NHS Grampian, and Aberdeenshire Council social services.