LOCAL people must have the chance to directly question health chiefs over any plans for closure or changes to services at Hay Lodge Hospital in Peebles, according to the local MP.

David Mundell, who represents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale in the UK Government, has written to NHS Borders chairman John Raine demanding a guarantee that when the cost cutting review is complete the senior managers will hold a public meeting in the town.

He has already told the health board that closure of the community hospital would be totally unacceptable.

Mr Mundell said: “The Health Board has said that it will take part in the Council’s area forums as part of its consultation on changes to community hospitals. However, I want a guarantee that there will be direct engagement with local people who have already made their feelings clear about closure or any reduction in services at Hay Lodge.

“It’s all too easy for administrators to come up with fancy plans in the NHS Headquarters in Newstead and then hide away in those same offices from the public who are directly affected by the changes. We need face to face dialogue so the strength of local feeling can be fully understood.

“The Health Board also need to listen to local people’s ideas for service improvements. All the many people I have spoken to, want to see more services at Hay Lodge and in the community, not less, and that sort of decentralisation is what should be driving the Health Board’s agenda.

“There is still a chance for there to be positive changes to the services at Hay a Lodge, but only if the Health Board listens to local people. I am determined to make sure they do.”