No say on hospital closure

Published 17 Jan 2012 09:30

The closure of a care facility will go ahead without full public consultation.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) is to close Blawarthill Hospital in Yoker, which looks after 60 people with complex health issues.

Health chiefs have noted the concern from patients and relatives about the potential impact of the closure, however the transfer of services to Drumchapel Hospital is not deemed as a major service change.

Only 13 beds are occupied by continuing care patients at Blawarthill and GGC says Drumchapel Hospital can offer improved facilities.

Drumchapel and Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd said staff, patients and relatives are very concerned about the situation as Blawarthill has a good reputation for care.

He added that a public consultation would be most appropriate because of the amount of people with genuine concerns.

Catriona Renfrew, director of Corporate Planning and Policy for GGC, said that in order to progress the outcome of the review, a submission was made to the Scottish Health Council about the proposed shift of the beds to Drumchapel.

She added the transfer is not a major service change as it affects a relatively small number of patients and the alternative service is close to the site.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 11 Jan 12

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