Cairnhill has its say on hospital proposals

Consultation to close

Cairnhill residents are “deeply disturbed” about the prospect of Monklands Hospital being relocated to Gartcosh as a community consultation on the proposal nears its completion.

The area’s community council, councillors and locals have delivered more than 3500 leaflets to homes, supermarkets and shops.

Organisers of the consultation campaign are now urging residents to have their say by giving their feedback online by Monday.

Michael McBride, secretary of Cairnhill community council, said: “Our main aim was to inform residents about NHS Lanarkshire’s current proposal.

“As an organisation, we were also involved when the NHS closed trauma and orthopaedics and ward 24 acute psychiatric services at Monklands Hospital, which was challenged as a downgrade of services.

“As a local community, many residents are deeply disturbed about the proposal for Monklands Hospital to be closed and moved to Gartcosh; some of their issues are no consideration for local travel from Airdrie and surrounding villages to Gartcosh, new bus and train services not being guaranteed and concerns for those who don’t have access to a car.

“They have also highlighted the major impact on local staff who work at the hospital part- time, or those who have early morning starts and late night finishes.”

Allan McNeil, the community council’s chair, added: “We would like to thank everyone for supporting the delivery of leaflets to the area.

“This consultation is crucial for Airdrie and the future of its health services; it will impact on everyone for many years to come.”

Visit www. monklands. scot. nhs. uk to contribute to the consultation.

Informing locals Community council members and residents with the consultation leaflets