Politicians tell health chiefs to get a grip over proposals.

Sep 23 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HEALTH chiefs need to get a grip over their like-it-or-lump-it plans to overhaul services in Ayrshire.

That’s the no holds barred blast from MSP Adam Ingram.

The SNP man and Conservative MSP John Scott have put their political differences aside and stand shoulder to shoulder in their bid to keep orthopaedic trauma services at Ayr Hospital.

Both the politicians fought tirelessly when accident and emergency services were under threat in 2005.

They were among the 5000 protestors who marched through the streets of Ayr (pictured).

Now they have once again hit out at health chiefs.

Mr Ingram said: “I am shocked and alarmed at the way NHS Ayrshire and Arran has floated this proposal resurrecting many of the arguments made to justify their proposed closure of Ayr Hospital’s A&E unit.

“What appears to be happening here is a preferred option being established at the outset and arguments being developed to support that option.

“Those of us who fought for the retention of the A&E will well remember the Independent Scrutiny Panel, appointed by Nicola Sturgeon to review the proposal, and its comprehensive demolition of this approach.

“It seems to me that senior management in the health board has learned nothing from this chastening experience. Yet again they are pushing for a ‘we know what’s best’, like it or lump it proposal.”

And Mr Ingram went on to slam the board’s attempt to patronise the public.

He added: “It really is the height of arrogance to suggest their aim is to move as rapidly as possible to ‘reduce uncertainty’.

“These are the people who are creating the uncertainty in the first place.

“It’s high time the health board got a grip if it wishes to regain any shred of credibility.”

And John Scott MSP says he has already spoken to health minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Scott said: “The current proposals are in themselves bad enough and I am opposed to those, but my further fear is that they are the thin end of the wedge and could lead to A&E at Ayr Hospital again coming under threat.

“That’s why I spoke face to face last week with the Cabinet Secretary for Health to emphasise my concerns over this matter and why I will be continuing to oppose the removal of orthopaedic trauma services from Ayr Hospital.”