Chalmers Hospital at Petitions Commitee

Following a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee today, Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the news that a 10,000 signature petition – supporting the redevelopment of Chalmers Hospital in Banff - has been referred by the Committee to the Scottish Executive and Grampian Health Board for comment. Speaking from the Scottish Parliament this morning, Mr Stevenson said:

“Today’s decision is an important milestone in the campaign for the redevelopment of Chalmers Hospital and the surrounding community who rely on good quality healthcare within the Banff area.

“With 10,000 signatures this was an extraordinary achievement for the Chalmers Hospital Action Group who have been fighting against the threat to services at our local hospital. This petition has put the issue of rural hospital services back on the agenda in the Scottish Parliament.

“The logic of the argument was clear to the Public Petitions Committee and I believe that this continued pressure on Grampian Health Board and the increased awareness of this issue within the parliament will ensure that the plight of underfunded rural hospitals can no longer be ignored.”