Viewpoint

T his week’s news that Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban is to lose eight inpatient beds which will result in a reduction of trained staff at the infirmary through ‘natural wastage’ – no doubt because contracts will not be renewed – will shock many.

While there is definitely a case for people to be treated in their own homes where possible, there is a feeling in our communities that the health service in Argyll and Bute is being eroded in a bid to centralise and save cash.

The number of people already having to travel to Glasgow, for example, to see specialists or for treatment at a time when they are ill, under stress and extremely vulnerable is already too high. So enough is enough.

It’s time we stood up for our hospital, our healthcare professionals and our right to healthcare delivered through our local hospital.