Save Knapdale Ward

Sir,

When we are hoping the government will increase spending on the health service in the budget, Argyll and Bute HSCP is looking to close a not-so-old hospital ward in Lochgilphead for dementia patients.

Does the Integration Joint Board understand the needs of patients with dementia in Argyll and the damaging consequences should Knapdale ward close?

Argyll has an older population than many other areas in Scotland and a poorer one as well. There is a greater need for local specialist dementia care. To move patients so far away as Glasgow will signal the death knell for many patients due to the lack of visits from family and friends. Patients from Argyll will have to compete with those in Glasgow for a bed in future, so why is there a rush to close wards and reduce hospital beds? Money must be found to reverse this damaging, cruel and senseless move. Where is the joined-up thinking? The ward, outpatient and community care are needed in Mid Argyll. If you take away one, the others suffer as a consequence.

It is time to rethink this damaging move.

Derrick Anstee, Inveraray. Congratulations Clachan

Sir,

I was privileged to attend and present the pupils of Clachan Primary School with their seventh Green Flag. This is a major achievement for any school and highlights the close working relationship between the school and community.

The young people entertained us with profound acting and thoughts on the implications of climate change and what we each can do in our own way to make a difference. They then served us a lovely lunch.

Michael Russell MSP and Brendan O’Hara MP were also in attendance and added their congratulations on the tremendous efforts of the children, staff and parents.

Well done Clachan school and many thanks for allowing me to spend the day with you all.

Councillor Anne Horn, Kintyre and the Islands. Spin doctors of HSCP

Sir,

As you drive through the town of Renton in Dumbarton you will see a notice which tells you it was the birthplace of Tobias Smollett. He is described as a doctor of medicine and manners, better known in America. Some make the astonishing claim he was the first spin doctor.

I have to congratulate the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) on its ability to follow his example.

The presentation of familiar facts in a different view certainly convinced a good friend of mine. He told me I would be delighted to hear what was proposed for the dementia service in the area. I have a great admiration for his acumen, integrity and commitment to good care, but none of that was proof against the case presented by the HSCP. I am not wholly surprised. The documents and proposals presented to our group over the years were impressive, but we had the advantage of retaining those from previous years. It became apparent the words did not match the reality.

As one experienced member put it: ‘Do more, do it better but with less money, can’t be done.’ There was also frustration at the generality of statements, very short on costed verifiable facts.

It is true there are new people in post and we have not had the opportunity to see this presentation, but it reminded me of my feelings when I went to work in Oban more than 30 years ago. Long term care arrangements meant islanders coming to the mainland, cut off from the life they had known. Many were faced with saying goodbye to family and friends for the last time and losing the familiarity of Gaelic. The cruelty of this situation was recognised and a lot of hard work and innovative thought went in to providing island services.

The situation in Knapdale, and public feeling about it, is compounded by historical factors. The uncertainty, the closing of the ward to new admissions, the seepage of highly trained staff and no alternative residential plans all speak of decisions considered some time since. All without open public discussion.

Tobias Smollett was also described as a man of moral courage. He knew the cost of being a dissenter, saying: ‘He who bravely dares must sometimes risk a fall.’

People in the community are speaking out because they know the problems of inadequate provision. We need people in the partnership to break ranks and acknowledge the cost to physical, emotional and family life if better solutions are not found.

Barabel Mckay, Health and Care Group chairwoman. Join Earth Hour

Sir,

I’m writing to encourage readers to join millions around the world in turning off their lights and celebrating the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour on Saturday March 28 at 8.30pm.

We are in the midst of a joint climate and nature emergency. We’ve destroyed forests, polluted the oceans and messed up the climate. But what happens next is up to us. By taking part in Earth Hour you can be part of the change. All eyes are on Scotland this year ahead of the UN climate talks in Glasgow this November, so now is the time for Scottish communities to stand up and be counted.

So whether it’s switching off your lights, switching off your phone for an hour or celebrating with others, Earth Hour’s a time to reconnect to what’s important. Taking part is a great way to showcase your group’s environmental action, get new people involved and be part of a global movement.

You can find out what’s on near you by visiting wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland.