‘For sale’ signs to go up outside Montrose Royal Infirmary.

NHS TAYSIDE: Landmark Montrose Infirmary is surplus to requirements

Montrose Royal Infirmary is poised to go up for sale.

Monday next week is the cut-off day for local GPS to admit elderly patients – despite a hard-fought campaign to retain local services.

The imposing Bridge Street building has been declared surplus to requirements by the NHS Tayside board. When the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership advises it has vacated the premises, the landmark will be marketed for sale.

A spokesperson for the partnership said, as of Friday, seven patients were still being cared for in the hospital, adding: “Any patient who remains in Montrose Infirmary after Monday will be cared for until their discharge can be arranged.

“GPS in Montrose have arrangements in place to admit patients to Stracathro Hospital in partnership with consultant colleagues once the inpatient beds at Montrose are closed.

“Managers are making the necessary arrangements through the organisational change policy with staff at Montrose Royal Infirmary.”

Local GPS, councillors and historians have expressed concerns about the closure. Issues include the removal of valuable artworks and the loss of money bequeathed by patients and their families for the people of Montrose.

Dr Kristien Hintjens of Townhead Medical Practice, who has condemned the closure of the GP ward at the infirmary, said: “We have no idea what the health board plan with the items in the infirmary, many of which were bequeathed to the people of Montrose by patients and their relatives.

“I am aware patients and relatives have, over the years, bequeathed large amounts of money, I would think it is thousands of pounds, to Montrose Infirmary and that this is held by the health board. I have asked if this money can be made accessible in future to the local community for the wellbeing of Montrose citizens but my query was not acknowledged.”

Gail Smith, head of community health and care services for Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are very grateful for all donations which are made for the benefit of patients and staff in our services.

“The funds will move with the patients and the staff and will continue to be used for the benefit of Montrose patients.”

The final death-knell for the infirmary was sounded with the AHSCP’S decision to close GP beds as part of its redesign of how inpatient care is delivered across the region.

“Any patient who remains in Montrose Infirmary after Monday will be cared for until their discharge can be arranged.

ANGUS HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP SPOKESPERSON