Questions over the future of care ward
Consultation on plans for Crieff site
Worried locals fearing for the future of the dementia ward at Crieff Community Hospital are expected to be given the chance to put their concerns to decision-makers in the new year.
Alarm bells were ringing throughout Strathearn last week after it was revealed Ward 1 at the King Street medical hub was the subject of a “review” by regional healthcare officials.
The move comes against the backdrop of a drive throughout the region towards a more community-based care model – meaning that certain aspects of the current set up could be phased out and be replaced by a reworked system.
Craig Finlay, chair of Crieff Community Council, said group members have put locals’ concerns to politicians and top brass within the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership.
He said: “Last week’s news report of the possible closure of dementia care provision within Ward 1 of Crieff Hospital was an unexpected disappointment for the community, but particularly for patients, their families and staff within the ward.
“Since hearing the news, Crieff Community Council has been in contact with Liz Smith MSP, and I have had a long conversation with Robert Packham – chief officer with the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership – and am now reassured that the partnership
is aware of the concerns of those most closely involved with the matter.
“Mr Packham has offered to come to Crieff in mid-January, to address the concerns surrounding the issue.
He added: “This will be the town’s chance to hear more and ask questions, and I will confirm a date for the meeting in due course.”
In a statement issued late last week, a spokesperson for NHS Tayside said the partnership was “reviewing” and “redesigning” services in Perth and Kinross in line with local and national strategies – including the Dementia Assessment Service provided within Ward 1 at Crieff Community Hospital.
The regional health board’s representative explained: “The Scottish Government’s Dementia Strategy Standards of Care states that health and social care services should help people living with dementia minimise social exclusion and develop new relationships by establishing and maintaining strong positive engagement with local community and voluntary groups.
“Over the last three years dementia assessment services provided within community hospitals in the north of Perthshire have transferred from hospital-based service provision to providing enhanced dementia care within the person’s own home.
“A similar model for south Perthshire is now set to be considered .”
The statement added: “The biggest change to the way in which this new model of care delivers dementia services is that they have moved away from the hospital- based model, which offered a limited service to very few individuals living with dementia in the locality.”
Madderty- based Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Liz Smith said: “A number of constituents have been in touch with my office to raise their concerns over the future of Ward 1 and I would hope this statement offers some degree of clarity to patients, families and staff.
“However, I would call on the social care partnership and NHS Tayside to fully consult with those involved to ensure that the opinions of staff and patients are heard.”