NHS Grampian bosses to update Moray councillors on reduced services at Dr Gray's Hospital
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NHS Grampian is to update Moray's councillors on healthcare provision at Dr Gray's Hospital amid concerns over reduced services and staff wellbeing.
A briefing by NHS Grampian has been confirmed after the Conservative group on Moray Council wrote to the new chief executive of NHS Grampian, Professor Caroline Hiscox, requesting an update on the situation at the hospital.
This follows concerns being raised by local people over capacity at the hospital following the implementation of Covid-19 distancing as well as on the delivery of services such as paediatrics, maternity and elderly care.
It is hoped that a virtual meeting can be held within the next fortnight.
Leader of the Conservative group and Conservative candidate for the Scottish Elections next year Cllr Tim Eagle (Buckie) said: "Dr Gray's Hospital continues to be a regular concern raised through constituent letters and e-mails and recently that has increased again.
"Moray residents are clear that Dr Gray's is a vital part of our local healthcare system, but there continues to be nagging concerns over the maternity unit, staffing in elderly care as well as the hospital capacity.
"However, what is also clear is that, following a very difficult period, it is vital we ensure staff are fully supported as we continue to head into the winter months. I have friends who work in the NHS and I know the pressures they have been under.
"We want to impress to managers that we are so grateful for the work the staff are doing, but we also want to be assured that there remains a strong commitment to the delivery of services at Dr Gray's, including a strong push on attracting more staff as well as ensuring that staff are being well looked after and given the time they need to rest.
"We also would like to know that if capacity and services are reduced at Dr Gray's, this is only for the very short term and that appropriate mitigation steps are being taken."
Fellow Conservative Cllr Claire Feaver (Forres) said: "Staff wellbeing has been raised in a number of places recently. We all must recognise the wonderful care and dedication NHS staff give. It is these staff who are the true NHS. They have braved Covid-19 for us and we must now ensure that they are fully supported."
Cllr Eagle urged anyone with questions on Dr Gray's or NHS services to get in touch "so we can ensure we are asking the questions communities need answers to".
In September 32 beds were removed across wards at the Elgin hospital site. Another 10 beds were cut this month at other Moray hospitals, including four at Seafield Hospital in Buckie, three at Turner Memorial Hospital in Keith and three at Stephen Hospital in Dufftown.
The health authority said all hospitals across the region needed to make the practical changes in efforts to prevent Covid-19 transmission.
