Ayr A&E won’t be cut back on out watch.

Dec 9 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

ACCIDENT and emergency services at Ayr will not be undermined on our watch.

That’s the categoric message from the Scottish Government this week.

Michael Matheson MSP, the public health minister, made the commitment in parliament during a debate on the recent threat to trauma and orthopaedic services at Ayr Hospital.

Mr Matheson stated that the government would not countenance any proposal from NHS Ayrshire and Arran which seeks to undermine the government’s commitment to build on the strengths of existing services.

Effectively, that means there will be no cutbacks in either A&E units or their support services including critical care, anaesthetics cover and orthopaedic trauma.

The minister went on to confirm that despite the severe cuts in capital funding from Westminster, that new investment in front door services at Ayr and Crosshouse Hospitals will be made during the spending review period.

Scottish Government officials are engaged with NHS Ayrshire & Arran to identify options for development of these projects and for the planning of expenditure over the next few years.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Adam Ingram welcomed the affirmation.

He said: “These are cast iron commitments from the Scottish Government securing the future of dedicated and well resourced A&E units protecting local access to these key emergency services.

“NHS Ayrshire & Arran now need to get on with the job of delivering these services to the highest possible standards.

“I do not expect to see the issue of centralisation raising its ugly head again – certainly not in the lifetime of this SNP Government.”

In October this year, health chiefs made a dramatic U-turn over plans to close an integral part of Ayr accident and emergency unit.

It came after their controversial proposal to close the orthopaedic trauma unit at Ayr Hospital.

It sparked outrage among the community who feared that A&E would be closed by stealth.

After a fierce backlash from the public, health professionals and politicians the plan has now been dropped.