Protest on health cuts

Arran people reacted quickly to rumours that two of the island’s doctors might lose their jobs as part of the restructuring of Arran’s health services now being considered. An immediate petition was started by the Village Shop in Whiting Bay and forms were made available in other villages, collecting a large number of signatures. That immediate threat has been averted, but the withdrawal by the GPs of the Arran Health Group from providing Out-of-Hours services has meant there will have to be changes made. A press statement from Dr Wai-yin Hatton points out that NHS Ayrshire and Arran invests more than £1.5 million each year in primary care services for Arran. This amount will be reduced by about £119,000 to reflect the withdrawal of island GPs from Out of Hours commitments. The debate is ongoing, but meanwhile, the petition forms (copies kept) have been sent to the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board as evidence of the strength of feeling on Arran about the medical services. If you want to add your opinion, write to Dr Wai-yin Hatton, Chief Executive, Ayrshire and Arran Health Board, Eglinton House, Ailsa Hospital, Dalmellington Road, Ayr, AYR, KA6 6AB.