A REPORTED reprieve for cancer services at Ayr Hospital has been dismissed by health chiefs.
In a release issued yesterday (Monday 5th) South of Scotland MSP Colin Smyth hailed the reprieve for the Ayr unit, while urging health bosses to “up their game” when it comes to consulting the public on the future of cancer care in the area.
But when contacted by the Advertiser Series, NHS Ayrshire and Arran said a decision on whether or not to move Ayr Hospital Chemotherapy Unit to Crosshouse had not yet been made and was still under review.
John Burns, Chief Executive, said “The Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board held its routine meeting in public on Monday, January 29.
“The Board received a paper and presentation on the Chemotherapy service setting out the work to date in Ayrshire and Arran as well as informing the Board of the West of Scotland review of Systemic Anti Cancer Therapy.
“The Board agreed that further engagement should be taken forward in conjunction with the West of Scotland work, building on previous engagement in Ayrshire and Arran.”
The Board agreed to a period of public engagement around a new model for cancer care as proposed by the West of Scotland Cancer Network, which focuses on outreach and community based delivery of cancer chemotherapy.
Colin Smyth had said the reprieve for the unit was a “real credit to all those who campaigned against its possible closure” and said there had been an effective U-turn by NHS Ayrshire and Arran, albeit not a long term guarantee.
He said: “It was clear when I questioned their Chief Executive John Burns at a recent Scottish Parliament Health Committee meeting that the Board were considering a change of tact on the whole issue, so I’m pleased this appears to be happening.
“However, this is by no means the end of the matter. The new model for chemotherapy they are considering will require considerable investment.
I will be writing to the Health Secretary Shona Robison to urge the Government to come up with the funding needed from the £100m they say they have set aside for their ten-year Cancer Strategy.
“It is also vital that the local Health Board up their game. So far the whole issue has been very badly handled by them, from their out of date options appraisals to the secrecy behind the process and that can’t continue.”
“I will be urging the Health Board to carry out proper engagement with the local community when it comes to the new model so they get it right this time, starting by asking them to set out a clear detailed timetable and consultation process.”
Article originally appeared on Carrick Herald
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