Kirkcudbright Hospital campaigners have expressed their frustration, claiming they have been overlooked when it comes to the future of the facility. Despite a consultation revealing that local residents preferred the hospital to re-open with in-patient beds and some community services, the integration joint board (IJB) has recommended transforming it into a community health and social care hub.
Board chairman and Dee and Glenkens Councillor, Andy McFarlane, defended the decision, stating that the views of the locals were taken into consideration. However, members of the Save Kirkcudbright Hospital Action Group, including Geoff Dean and Mary Mier-Roberts, were disappointed with the outcome. They emphasized the importance of accessible health services for the community and expressed their intention to continue advocating for what they believe is best for the local area.
Kirkcudbright Hospital, along with other sites in the region, was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Following a consultation process, officials recommended the transformation of each site into a community health and social care hub, without in-patient services. This decision has been met with opposition from residents and local councillors who supported the re-opening of the hospital with a combination of in-patient beds and outpatient services.
At a recent meeting, experts raised concerns about the feasibility of re-introducing in-patient facilities, citing potential resource constraints and the impact on staff. Despite calls for in-patient services to address delayed discharges, the decision was made to proceed with converting all four facilities into hubs without in-patient beds.
Local councillor Dougie Campbell expressed disappointment over the decision, highlighting the disregard for public opinion and the expertise of local GPs who supported the re-opening of the hospital. The campaign to save Kirkcudbright Hospital is now considering taking their fight to a national level to challenge the closure.
In response to the backlash, IJB chair Andy McFarlane reiterated that the decision was based on sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of the communities. He acknowledged the calls for in-patient services but stressed the importance of focusing on providing adequate care in local hospitals. The board aims to evolve the sites to meet changing demands while ensuring safety, effectiveness, and sustainability.
In summary, the future of Kirkcudbright Hospital remains uncertain as campaigners and local residents continue to push for the re-opening of the facility with in-patient services. The clash between community preferences and official recommendations reflects the challenges of balancing healthcare provision with financial and resource constraints in rural areas.