[Scottish Parliament, 18.09.2024] Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has written to the Chief Executive of NHS Highland urging immediate action to prevent the closure of Moss Park Care Home in Fort William.
Following the shock announcement today by HC-One, Mr Halcro Johnston said the closure of Moss Park would leave Fort William with just one care home, which the Scottish Conservative MSP described as a “significant loss” for the local community.
He warned that the closure would put additional pressure on local NHS services, reducing the number of available beds for elderly and vulnerable residents, and exacerbating existing challenges within the health service in Lochaber.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“This is a huge blow for the residents of Moss Park and their families, and for the wider community of Fort William and Lochaber.
“Losing Moss Park Care Home not only risks displacing elderly and vulnerable residents from a community that is their home, but will also add further strain to our already stretched local NHS.
“I have written to NHS Highland calling on them to urgently explore every option to keep Moss Park open in the short and medium term, as well as to help develop a long-term plan that provides some reassurance to residents and their families.
“I have also made sure the Health Secretary receives a copy of that letter as I recognise that there may well be a role for the Scottish Government to play here, particularly where additional support is needed.
“NHS Highland must work with key stakeholders - including HC-One, Highland Council, and the Scottish Government - to find a solution which recognises the importance of maintaining care capacity in the area and which keeps the care home open.
“I stand ready to offer whatever support I can to ensure Moss Park stays open and continues to provide a home for its residents”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
A copy of Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP’s letter to NHS Highland, and which has been cc’d to the Scottish Government, is attached.
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