Yet another facility lost to North Angus

Sir, – Although I was not surprised when I read the front page and inside story in The Courier (“Radical health shake-up scraps in-patient care” January 13) about the impending closure of Montrose Infirmary, I still felt both anger and disappointment that yet another patient care facility is being lost to North Angus.

The fact that opportunities were not taken up in the past to deal with what was obvious to anyone – that the building was no longer fit for purpose – makes it even more frustrating.

The lost chance to build a small unit beside the Health Centre would have meant that this situation would never have arisen.

While times and attitudes have changed towards older people, and the proposed new system of keeping elderly patients at home for as long as possible has a lot to commend it, there is still a place for a small local unit which makes visiting for patients and their friends and relatives much easier.

If Stracathro’s redundant Mulberry Unit is to be used to look after those patients unable to go home from either Ninewells or Stracathro itself, or who are referred by their doctor, at least, I suppose, that it is something.

The bus service leaves a lot to be desired, however. Since not everyone has access to a car, it will mean a long journey for some visitors, making the chance of some patients having fewer visitors more likely.

We have lost so much in the way of healthcare provision over the past few years in this part of Angus, despite the protests of MSPs, MPs and members of the public.

One begins to believe that those in charge think no one lives beyond Arbroath – or if they do, they are never ill and will remain young forever! Joan McLaren. 25 Redfield Crescent, Montrose.

As the Montrose Infirmary faces closure, a correspondent questions the lack of patient care facilities beyond Arbroath.