Meeting
with NHS Expert “Positive and Productive”
Greenock
and Inverclyde’s MP and MSP, David Cairns and Duncan McNeil, have described as
“positive and productive” their meeting with 
Glasgow University’s Dr
Andrew Walker – the leading Health Economist charged
with carrying out the independent evaluation of NHS Argyll and Clyde's clinical
strategy.
Speaking
after the hour-long meeting, which took place at the Greenock and Inverclyde
Parliamentary Office in Union Street, Mr McNeil said:
“It
is not surprising that, in light of our recent experiences, our community is
sceptical about so-called ‘consultation’ exercises in the NHS.
But Dr Walker certainly seems to be interested in what we have to say and
determined to scrutinise this plan closely.
“We
set out our concerns over the impact this plan would have on patient care and
the local economy. We also made it
clear that the lack of detail in the document was unacceptable, as was its
publication on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis.
“I
look forward to continuing these discussions with Dr Walker in the coming weeks
and months.”
Mr
Cairns added:
“I
am delighted that Dr Walker took the time to come along and hear what we had to
say. We are the first people he has spoken to about the Health Board's
plans, and I told him in that I am deeply concerned about the flaws in NHS
Argyll and Clyde's Clinical Strategy.
“There
is a tremendous amount of cynicism about the consultation process within
Inverclyde, and Dr Walker will have to convince local people that this will be a
genuine consultation and that their view will be given full consideration, not
just dismissed out of hand.
“He
seemed to listen carefully to what we had to say and took on board the points we
raised. I understand the problems faced by our hospitals in Inverclyde,
but the Health Board must show that they are willing to listen to what local
people have to say and not press ahead with centralisation of services in
Paisley just because it's the easiest option.”
ENDS
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