A key meeting on the future of Kirkcudbright Hospital will take place next week.
It’s one of a number of facilities mothballed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and has never reopened, prompting fears it may close for good.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership is now carrying out a review of community bed provision – which includes cottage hospitals and care homes.
And the newly-formed Save Kirkcudbright Hospital Action Group is urging people to go to the town’s council offices on Monday to make their feelings known to health officials holding a drop-in session as part of a community consultation.
Group spokesperson Geoff Dean said: “Local people are facing the same issues as people elsewhere, shortage of local care and medical beds that are needed for an integrated approach to providing services to those most in need.
“The services that were provided at Kirkcudbright Hospital prior to lockdown through Covid are sorely missed, entailing long and at times difficult journeys, particularly for our elderly residents.
“This situation is not a temporary one, we believe, therefore planning for future need is vital.
“We need to ensure local people voice their concerns and views at the upcoming consultation.”
The Kirkcudbright facility, along with Newton Stewart, Langholm and Moffat hospitals, was mothballed by the health board in 2020.
In recent months, there has been a push to have them reopened to help ease pressure on DGRI, which has a bed-blocking problem with patients unable to leave as care packages aren’t in place.
Campaigner Mary Mier came up with the plan for the action group in a bid to ramp up the pressure after starting a petition.
She urged local residents: “This is your opportunity to share your personal experiences, ideas and opinions, as well as how you believe your health care needs both now and in the future can best be provided locally.”
Mary Ross from Kirkcudbright Hospital League of Friends added: “The League of Friends has worked with the local hospital for many years. We will continue with that support.
“It is important that we all take the opportunity to express our views in the ongoing consultation on how best to meet future local health needs.”
Local councillor Dougie Campbell said: “Integrated, local health and social care, previously provided by the hospital really matters to local people.
“I hope the NHS will engage positively with the group and listen to their concerns and the case for securing the long-term future of the hospital.
“I know that many of the people I represent will support the campaign and I hope their voices will be heard through the action group and a meaningful NHS consultation process.”
Fellow Dee and Glenkens member John Denerley added: “Everyone should have access to the healthcare services they need in their local area and the cottage hospital must be protected from further cuts or being closed altogether.
“A clear plan must be urgently outlined to ensure the hospital will be properly funded and maintained so that it will continue providing vital services to the people of Kirkcudbright and many surrounding communities.”
Monday’s meeting is part of a community bed provision review called Right Care, Right Place: Intermediate Care.
It will take place at the council offices in Daar Road, Kirkcudbright, from 1pm to 6pm.
Those who can’t make it can fill in the survey online at www.dghscp.co.uk/rightcarerightplace.
Anyone looking for more information about the action group should email SKHAG2023@hotmail.com
