Holyrood appeal over RAH repairs
Renfrewshire Council will write to the Scottish Government asking for a guarantee that money will be spent on repairs at the Royal Alexandra Hospital “as a matter of urgency,” writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.
The motion was agreed at a recent meeting of the full council with an amendment inviting Jane Grant, the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), to make a presentation to elected members.
While presenting her motion, which was seconded by Councillor Karen Kennedy,
Councillor Carolann Davidson said: “I find it absolutely disgraceful that there are more than £36 million of outstanding repairs and upgrades required to bring Royal Alexandra Hospital and maternity unit up to an acceptable and safe standard.
“This figure backs up what patients and staff have been saying for a long time - that the RAH isn’t receiving the investment it needs.
“There’s a list of over 700 outstanding jobs which includes a significant number of works that are considered high risk, such as upgrades to fire and safety systems in maternity and A&E.
“It’s little wonder the RAH has been coined the forgotten hospital and the shadow of the Queen Elizabeth in Glasgow.
“The government must provide the necessary resources for our local hospital. “There’s a big difference between what the RAH needs and what it gets from the Scottish Government.”
Councillor Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council, put forward an amendment, in addition to the motion, asking for a “more positive step” rather than “demanding guarantees”.
It had been seconded by Councillor Jennifer Adam-McGregor.
Councillor Nicolson said: “It would be a positive step to invite Jane Grant, chief executive of NHSGGC, to present to this council about the recently approved Moving Forward Together Strategy for Health and Social Care.
“This would provide an opportunity for elected members to engage with the NHS and senior management directly and raise specific queries regarding the future of services and facilities in Renfrewshire, including the RAH and Paisley Maternity Unit.
“I think this is a far more positive step rather than writing letters off which is pure tokenism, with regards to demanding guarantees off people.”
The amendment was agreed by Councillor Davidson and did not go to a vote.