Don’t let them shut hospital

Dear Editor

I was very saddened to read the Advertiser’s story on the report into Monklands Hospital that states it is not fit for purpose.

It seems astounding to me that the report is recommending further spending of £30m for repairs to the hospital, given the amount of money spent on it over the years.

It really doesn’t bode well at all for the future of the hospital as I fear this may give the powers-that-be the excuse they may have been looking for to close the hospital down.

If that was to happen it would be a real shame and have a colossal impact on many people across Monklands.

As has been documented on many occasions, it is very, very difficult for people who have to use public transport to get to and from Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals from Monklands.

Closing down Monklands Hospital would lead to chaos for a lot of people and even if more than £30m has to be spent to get it up to the standards required I would hope that’s a decision that is made for the good of local people.

Don’t forget too that the wonderful Maggie’s facility is on the grounds of the hospital and how would it look if that was left on its own while the hospital perishes?

Everything possible has to be done to make sure Monklands Hospital has a long-term future.

The consequences of the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.