Since the engagement day in Kirkcudbright Council Offices on 13th February,which attracted an incredible attendance from our local communities, SKHAG have been involved in communication with the “ Right Care Right Place” team and senior managers within Dumfries and Galloway NHS.
In addition new members Rosie Ilett and Bill Craig have joined the group, both have extensive experience in health services and live locally.
The group have been offered the chance to be involved in the planning of the next stage of the consultation process and will definitely pursue the opportunity and are grateful that the engagement team have listened to the issues that we raised on behalf of Kirkcudbright and local communities about the process thus far.
A spokesperson for the group said “We have had the opportunity to see the report to the Joint Integrated Board about the engagement and feel it is very wide ranging without specific detail. It would appear, however, that local peoples concerns have certainly been heard, which we very much welcome, and hope that this gives us a basis to make progress with the aim to ensure Kirkcudbright Hospital is retained, and developed , as an integrated local hub delivering a wide range of care and health services in line with the philosophy of Right Care, Right Place and informed by good practice and excellent service design.This would potentially include previously delivered services such as minor injuries etc.
In general we welcome the report , but feel that our hospital needs to be seen as vital in the local area and the speed of the process is frustrating . The next step is apparently further consultation before a report to the Joint Board in September.
We will continue our efforts to be engaged with the NHS locally and potentially at a national level.”
