Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has written to Health Minister Andy Kerr urging him to reconsider his decision not to visit the Aberdeenshire maternity units that have been earmarked for closure by NHS Grampian.
Commenting on the matter, Mr Stevenson said:
“I am deeply disappointed at the Minister’s decision not to visit the affected maternity units, especially given the strong opinion of the communities that are affected. The communities have vociferous in their opposition as this is an issue that they feel strongly about which will affect not just themselves, but future generations.
“The Fraserburgh situation is particularly concerning as the Broch is the only town in Scotland with a population over 10,000 which is more than one hour’s travel from an acute services hospital. The decision regarding the proposal to close Fraserburgh maternity unit therefore deserves detailed consideration due to the unique circumstances surrounding it.
“I feel that the Minister can only truly appreciate the importance of the retention of Fraserburgh Maternity unit and the others earmarked for closure by visiting the units and seeing at first hand, the outstanding work done by those working at the units and the feelings of all those who have involvement with the units.
“I have therefore asked the Minister to reconsider his decision and to visit the affected units. Considering the nature of the decision which is placed upon his shoulders, I believe that visiting the units in question will be a very useful exercise for all concerned about the future of healthcare provision.
“And if the Minister does not visit Fraserburgh, then the opinions of the people in Fraserburgh will certainly visit him.”
Categories [Health and Community Care]
