NHS confirms Crieff dementia ward could close in 2017

The dementia ward at Crieff Community Hospital could close in the New Year.

It is understood the health board believes user numbers are no longer high enough to justify keeping the unit open.

The ward is officially under review as NHS Tayside bids to slash millions of pounds from its budget through the reorganisation of services across the region.

A lack of demand as dementia care moves from a clinical setting and into the home has resulted in an average of only two patients per month being admitted to ward one.

The board has stressed no final decision has been taken, but residents believe its closure to be a done deal.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith has called on Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Tayside to consult with both staff and the public over its future.

Ms Smith said: “Treating patients with dementia is a complicated process and undeniably most patients prefer to be treated in their own home environment.

“However, in some instances hospital stays are the only option and it is up to the health services to ensure that this remains a possibility in Crieff.”

Robert Packham, chief officer for Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, confirmed the ward was under review.

He said dementia assessment services at community hospitals across north Perthshire had undergone reviews over the past three years and “successfully transferred” from hospital-based service provision to care within the home.

“Our priority is getting the right services in the right place for our dementia patients,” he said.

Mr Packham said a full consultation process could begin in the New Year.