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Gordon MP HSCP Needs to Move Forward with Plans for Insch Hospital

MP for Gordon, Richard Thomson, has said that Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership need to move forward with a credible, community-based plan for the future of Insch Hospital.  

The MP was commenting following a meeting with the Friends of Insch Hospital where he reiterated his support for the local campaign for a community healthcare facility in Insch.   

Mr Thomson has previously met with Scottish Government Ministers who assured the local MP the pledge to support healthcare provision in Insch remains.  In a written response to the MP in May this year, Health Secretary Michael Matheson MSP stated:  

“We are still waiting for NHS Grampian to submit a proposal for the Scottish Government to review . . . the Scottish Government remain committed to supporting the HSCP and Health Board in delivering effective, efficient, safe and appropriate community services, that will benefit Insch and the wider community of central Aberdeenshire.”  

Commenting, Gordon MP Richard Thomson said:   

“The Scottish Government is committing £10bn over the next decade to renewing and replacing healthcare facilities, whether that’s primary healthcare facilities or community-facing facilities like Insch Hospital.       

“We can see some of that underway already with NHS Grampian in the £164m commitment going into the Baird and Anchor facilities currently being built in Aberdeen.  So, there is a track record of NHS Grampian bidding-in to meet local needs and getting that support from the Scottish Government.    

“Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Grampian absolutely need to work with the local community, including the Friends of Insch Hospital who have a credible plan which they are willing to support financially, and take advantage of the facilities, goodwill and finance on offer to provide more community-facing health solutions, taking the pressure of both health services in Aberdeen and the families of patients who currently have to make the journey into the city.”  

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Note: Photograph attached shows Richard Thomson MP with local councillor Moray Grant at Insch Hospital.  

• Press Release