The chief executive of NHS Tayside has assured Strathmore residents there remains a bright future for Blairgowrie Community Hospital.
Concerns have been raised over its role and whether there will be a “dilution” of services in light of the decision to overhaul dementia care.
Just last month a petition with over 2000 names was handed to NHS Tayside to protest that decisions have been taken without public consultation.
However, chief executive Gerry Marr says Blairgowrie has an important role to play and hopes a series of community events will persuade the public there is nothing to worry about.
An open day in the hospital’s Strathmore Unit on Saturday will be the first step in that campaign, offering residents the opportunity to find out what services are available and offer views on their development.
In addition to information stalls there will be three discussion sessions at 10.45am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm, during which visitors will have the opportunity to talk to Mr Marr, NHS Tayside chairman Sandy Watson and medical director Dr Andy Russell. Nursing staff and other healthcare workers will also be on hand.
Mr Marr said, “I hope this event, along with the public meeting on Tuesday, May 10, fundamentally reassures the community about the future of Blairgowrie Community Hospital. NHS Tayside believes that community hospitals are a pivotal aspect of older people’s services in particular and we want to work with communities to use these resources to the best effect.”
Mr Watson said, “Events such as these where we are talking directly to people in their own communities are extremely important to us. It not only gives us the opportunity to make the whole community aware of the kinds of services which are being delivered from their local hospital but, more importantly, it gives the public a chance to tell us what’s important to them and what services they would like to see in their own communities.
“Blairgowrie Community Hospital is a vital part of this community and NHS Tayside remains committed to delivering high-quality healthcare from this site at the heart of the local area.”
Anyone who needs help with travel should contact Audrey Ryman on 01738 473231.
Following the drop-in day a community consultation event takes place at Blairgowrie High School on Tuesday at 7pm. It will be run in the style of Question Time.