MSP reassured on future of Stracathro

HEALTH chiefs have given an Angus MSP a personal assurance Stracathro Hospital is under no threat of closure after the decision to shut the Mulberry adult mental health unit.

Fears were sparked that it would ultimately lead to the complete closure of Stracathro but Angus North and Mearns SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon was assured that plans are in place to widen the usage of the hospital to make full use of some of its state-of-the-art facilities.

She was told the health authority’s recent surgical services review will see an increase in “elective surgery” at Stracathro, while there are also plans to expand work in the hospital’s urology, neurology, dental, ear, nose and throat and plastic surgery specialities.

A cross-border agreement to facilitate care for patients from NHS Grampian and NHS Fife is also likely to contribute to an increase in patient numbers.

Mrs Gougeon said: “There has been concern within the community that the future of Stracathro Hospital was again under threat following the decision to close the Mulberry unit.

“This concern is understandable as it directly followed the loss of the endoscopy service and sterilisation unit.

“I’ve had written reassurances from both the cabinet secretary for health and sport and NHS Tayside’s chief executive that there is no threat to Stracathro Hospital.”