Concerns have been raised over health services in Moray after the recent announcement of the temporary closure of Aberlour’s Fleming Hospital.
It was revealed earlier this month that a shortage of staff had led to the decision being made to temporarily close the Speyside hospital, due to happen on November 18.
Now, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has expressed his fear that Moray residents are being stripped of essential health care.
He cited Fleming Hospital and NHS Grampian’s admission that restoration of maternity services to Dr Gray’s hospital is a “growing challenge”.
Mr Johnstone said: “there is real concern that all we have seen in Moray is a systematic running-down of the local services and facilities people rely on.”
The imminent temporary closure of Fleming Hospital was reported to be due to staff levels being so low that the employees were exhausted from working through breaks and overtime to cover the gaps between shifts.
On November 23, a meeting will be held to discuss the future of Aberlour’s hospital and the impact it’s closure will have on the community.
After this, a public meeting will be scheduled.
NHS Grampian previously stressed the closure of Fleming Hospital was temporary.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said recently that health secretary Jeane Freeman “remains committed to the reinstatement of paediatric and obstetric maternity services at Dr Gray’s”.