Community hospital closures suspended

5.47.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has cautiously welcomed the breaking news that NHS Dumfries and Galloway has suspended its decision on the consultation, Your NHS, Your Future Care.

Mr Hume has, however, warned that the health board must now take this time to re-evaluate the overwhelming views of the public and has pledged that his campaign against the closures will continue until the new consultation in the summer of 2011.

Jim Hume MSP said:Jim Hume MSP: South of Scotland

“The news that the decision is to be suspended will be welcome insofar as it will give the health board more time to radically rethink its proposals and take into account the overwhelming opposition to its preferred option.

“I shall be pressing the health board to do exactly that in the coming months.

“I sincerely hope that the health board will come up with more imaginative options next summer which centre around multi faceted healthcare provision in community hospitals. Blanket closure is not an option.

“Whilst the decision has been suspended, the campaign will continue as far as I am concerned.”