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Docs will Help Expose Flawed Plan, McNeil tells MSPs
Two
of Inverclyde’s most respected doctors are ready to play their part in drawing
up a credible alternative to the under-fire Argyll and Clyde Clinical Strategy,
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, revealed to the Scottish
Parliament today.
Speaking
in the last ever parliamentary debate in MSPs’ temporary home on The Mound, Mr
McNeil said:
“There
are a number of clinicians who are ready to stand up and be counted.
“Leading
Inverclyde GP and Chair of the Local Health Centre Committee, Dr Mustafa Kapasi,
and senior consultant surgeon and Clinical Director of Surgery at the IRH, J.J.
Morrice, have both assured me that they are prepared to challenge these plans
and play their part in drawing up credible alternatives.”
The
debate was on the subject of the Argyll and Clyde Clinical Strategy and Mr
McNeil used his speech to focus on the plans to downgrade the IRH.
“In
doing so, I declare my interest,” he told the Chamber.
“Inverclyde Royal Hospital is my
hospital. It’s not just in my
constituency, it’s in my community. It
was where my mum went when she broke
her hip the other week and where my wife
went when she broke her shoulder.
“Indeed,
as a result of the maternity contingency plans which have already been
implemented, it is my grandchild who
is likely to be born in Paisley, not Greenock, this autumn.”
Mr
McNeil also called for a level playing field when the decision came to be made,
saying:
“The
Health Board’s proposals are the product of many officials and many months –
two luxuries we will have to do without when we draft our alternatives.
“I
therefore look forward to the Minister outlining how we will be supported – in
terms of time, resources and expertise – in our efforts.
I would also welcome an assurance that he will ensure that equal weight
is given to any alternative plan and the Health Board’s plan.
Finally, we need a guarantee that the consultation process will be worthy
of the name.”
ENDS
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