MP: Work together for best hospital
An MSP is urging colleagues to “put party politics aside” and work together to ensure Lanarkshire gets the £600 million new hospital it desperately needs.
Alex Neil’s words come hours after health bosses at the centre of what politicians described as “the biggest stitch-up in history” learned they will be forced to explain themselves over their controversial site choice at Gartcosh.
Mr Neil said he was “delighted” health secretary Jeane Freeman has insisted on a review of the site choice following widespread public and political concern over what has been described as a “deeply flawed” consultation mired in accusations of rigging.
He said: “I’m calling on my colleagues to put party politics aside so we can work together to ensure Lanarkshire gets the best hospital on the site which best suits local families.”
Mr Neil and MP Neil Gray delivered a 20-page response challenging the health board’s choice of site, disputing travel times and site development costs.
The MP said: “We believe that despite the public consultation, NHS Lanarkshire had already made its mind up Gartcosh would be the preferred site despite the public overwhelming favouring Glenmavis.”
NHS Lanarkshire said it “welcomed” the review.