Time to give Stracathro the care it deserves

Sir, – It is with disappointment, but not surprise, that I learned of the fresh concerns over the future of Stracathro Hospital in The Courier (June 14).

Last weekend was the last opening of the minor injuries facilities in Brechin and Montrose at weekends. North Angus accidents now have to travel to Arbroath or Forfar – and soon to be Dundee or Perth I believe.

Stracathro is an excellent facility and used by patients from all over Tayside when Ninewells and PRI cannot cope (almost all of the time).

NHS Tayside has handled its finances in an abysmal manner and left all but Perth and Dundee with minimal facilities. We need a new set of business-minded managers and not bonusseeking individuals prepared to raid the charity coffers.

Thirteen years ago Stracathro hosted a South African company which worked part of the time for BUPA, PPI and other health insurance providers. They also did out of hours orthopaedic work for the NHS overspill at a discounted cost.

However, it was decided we did not need this service and the cost was not justified so they were sent back to South Africa. They left a very positive legacy in equipment and staff plus many happy clients – private and NHS.

Stracathro is a pleasure to visit or to be a patient. Parking is easy and free (unlike at Ninewells where it can take 45 minutes to find a space). There are overnight serviced rooms for patients and visitors travelling from further afield, plus a bunch of happy helpful staff (and I speak from personal experience).

When are NHS Tayside going to look at a similar model to the one we had at Stracathro 13 years ago?

That’s if they can find another professional company outside the UK which does not mind being stuffed after they make it work.

George Sangster. Logie, Montrose.

A correspondent is not surprised there are concerns over the future of Stracathro Hospital.