Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has called on NHS Lanarkshire to ensure that quality of patient treatment is not affected by its review of the out-of-hours service in Lanark and the future of Roadmeetings Hospital. Her call came during a meeting she held with representatives from NHS Lanarkshire to discuss the plans.

The Health Board is currently looking at a the opening times of the out-of-hours service in Lanark, and is beginning to look at options for the future of geriatric wards at Roadmeetings Hospital. Aileen has called for full consultation with the local community before any final decisions are made, and for the health board to ensure patients will still have access to the same quality of treatment.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

"NHS Lanarkshire has received record funding from the Scottish Government this year, so it must spend that money in a way that provides the best possible services for its users in the Clydesdale area.

"The Health Board must fully consult with the local community before it makes decisions about any changes to the out-of-hours service. At the meeting with me, NHS Lanarkshire did emphasise that it is not proposing withdrawal of the service, and that there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of any changes.

"It is also hoped that any decision about the future of the wards at Roadmeetings Hospial will be made by May of next year, and that whatever happen the same level of care must be provided to patients.

"NHS Lanarkshire has undertaken to keep me informed of the progress of these reviews, and I’ll be continuing to push for continued high-quality, accessible health services in the area."