LOCAL MP asks for clarity over future of Biggar hospital.

MP David Mundell who represents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, has written to NHS Lanarkshire.
In his letter to NHS Lanarkshire's Chief Executive Calum Campbell, Mr Mundell asked Mr Campbell for his gurantee that Kello Hospital will not be closed after concerns were raised by the community.

Mr Mundell has said: "Now concerns have been raised about the future of Kello, it is imperative that NHS Lanarkshire categorically guarantee that there are no closure plans and that community hospitals remain part of their long-term plans for care in Upper Clydesdale.

"I also want to be sure they will be properly resourced going forward and that there will be no question of closure by stealth. Indeed, any basis of closure would be unacceptable.” 

Last week, Scottish Parliament received a petition from the community detailing their concerns over any threat to the hospital, and how this scenario is not new to them after the Lockhart Hospital was shut in 2016 and failed to reopen despite promises to turn it into a nursing-only facility.

Mr Mundell has previously campaigned for no hospital closures in the area especially when Lockhart Hospital was under threat. He's promised constituents that he will not support any moves to close Kello Hospital or any sister hospitals.

He's also being supported by Clydesdale East Councillor Eric Holford, who is aware of the difficulties facing local should Kello be closed: "Closure would mean travelling lengthy distances for equivalent care and real issues for relatives with visiting, given the poor public transport in the area.

"Kello has huge community support and is seen as providing vital services not just to people in Biggar, but in surrounding areas."

Mr Mundell added: "Of course, care at home is the best option for many people, but not for everyone, and in this large rural area we have also experienced difficulties in getting care staff in some districts. That’s why its vital we keep hospitals like Kello."