‘No decision’ to close Angus health facilities ahead of review

An open letter has been sent to health chiefs airing concerns over the future of Brechin and Montrose infirmaries.

Brechin Healthcare Group chairman Grahame Lockhart sent a missive to NHS Tayside’s chairman, Professor John Connell, following a drop-in session in Montrose.

The Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, composed of the health board and Angus Council, has restated no decisions have made to close any of its facilities.

Mr Lockhart’s letter, seen by The Courier, echoed the fears of residents and councillors that local services will move towards Stracathro Hospital.

In his letter, Mr Lockhart said: “At the drop-in information session in Montrose by Angus Health and Social Care Partnership on Wednesday February 15, Gail Smith, in a long conversation with members of the public, seemed to indicate that Brechin and Montrose infirmaries will be closing permanently, and that Stracathro Hospital, and if possible the Mulberry Unit, could be utilised for the provision of services.

“This causes me serious concern as this precedes any consultation with the community.”

Prof Connell made no response to a request for comment.

Gail Smith, head of community health and care services for the partnership, responded.

She said: “Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Tayside are committed to working with the local communities in and around Brechin and the wider north Angus locality to plan and provide safe and sustainable health and social care services now and for the future.

“No decisions have been made to close any facility in Angus.

“The involvement, feedback and contributions of community groups ... are extremely valuable to us.

“As part of the development of the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership’s strategic plan, a review of inpatient facilities in Angus will be carried out over the coming months to consider the future configuration of inpatient resources as part of the model in Angus.”