MP Bill backs bid to keep unit at Ayr Hospital
Distance to Crosshouse will be a problem
a tory Mp is backing a campaign to keep a life- saving chemotherapy unit at ayr Hospital.
Bill Grant has written to Scottish health minister Shona Robison to highlight his constituents’ concerns over its threatened closure.
Last month the Ayrshire Post reported how devastated cancer patients will have to travel up to 100 miles for lifesaving chemotherapy as the axe falls on the treatment at Ayr Hospital.
The plan, uncovered this week by the Ayrshire Post, will mean victims taking up to three hours just for travel.
Patients from some of the most remote areas of the region would be sent to Crosshouse in Kilmarnock as hospital chiefs push ahead with plans to centralise services.
Mr Grant said: “I’m aware health is a devolved matter. However, I have been contacted by a number of my constituents on this important issue.
“And I know many more folk in my Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency are signing online petitions to keep the chemotherapy service at Ayr Hospital”.
“I feel I must support my constituents on this, and I share the deep concerns already expressed at Holyrood by my colleague John Scott MSP.”
Bill pointed out: “Hundreds of my constituents are being treated every month at Station 15.
“It’s stressful enough for them, without the added strain of an add- on journey to Crosshouse.
“Transport to Kilmarnock can be particularly problematic for my constituents in the Carrick and Doon Valley areas.”
The MP said: “I’ve heard nothing but good reports about the staff and service given at Station 15.
“Do we really want to lose that rapport because such a decision might be deemed good for the organisation, but not for the patient?”
“We often hear of the benefits of ‘ patient- centred care’ - so let’s adhere to that philosophy.
“The Scottish Government seems to favour centralisation of services – and I accept this can be a good thing, where a centre of excellence is created, without detriment to patients.
“But there are many instances of needless centralisation which suck the life out of local services in communities like those I represent.”
By 2020, they expect the number of chemotherapy treatments to rise to as many as 215 per week.
Liz Moore, director of acute services Arran and Ayrshire Health Board said the Ayrshire chemotherapy treatment service has been under review since the beginning of 2015 and are consulting with patients and staff to provide a high standard of care.
She added: “We are now planning on engaging further with staff, patients and members of the public over the coming months about the outcome from the option appraisal to continue to inform proposals.
“We will be asking people for their views to allow us to conclude our proposals.”