Hopes dashed of hospital reversal

Coldstream Cottage Hospital is to be used as a dental centre

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has said it is unlikely to be "helpful or indeed possible" to reverse closure decisions on two Borders hospitals.

South of Scotland SNP MSP Christine Grahame had raised hopes that sites in Coldstream and Jedburgh could reopen.

However, in a written answer to a question by Tory MSP John Lamont that appears to have been rejected.

Ms Sturgeon said she would still "engage with local communities" about the services provided in the area.

Jedburgh and Coldstream lost their facilities in a shake-up of services endorsed by the former health minister Andy Kerr.

I am keen that we maintain forward momentum and don't consider it would necessarily be helpful or indeed possible to reconsider the decisions taken by NHS Borders Nicola Sturgeon Health secretary

Ms Grahame had written to his successor, Ms Sturgeon, to ask for the decision to be reviewed.

It came after plans to close two accident and emergency units in the west of Scotland were reversed.

However, a written answer from Ms Sturgeon said it was unlikely a similar path would be followed in the Borders.

Area needs

"I have already confirmed that in honouring our commitment to maintain A&E services at Ayr and Monklands, I am not signalling a general review of service changes that have been made in the NHS," she said.

The health secretary said it was for NHS Borders to plan and deliver services to meet the needs of the area.

It has retained the Coldstream site for use as a dental care facility while a community health centre is planned with savings made in Jedburgh.

Far too much focus is placed on central belt issues, and unfortunately this seems to be just another example John Lamont MSP

"I am keen that we maintain forward momentum and don't consider it would necessarily be helpful or indeed possible to reconsider the decisions taken by NHS Borders," said Ms Sturgeon.

"However, I will continue to engage with local communities about the range of services provided locally."

The response has been criticised by Mr Lamont, the MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire.

"Far too much focus is placed on central belt issues, and unfortunately this seems to be just another example," he said.

"It is crucial that services are maintained at Ayr and Monklands, but these should not be special cases.

"With rural sparsity and a weaker transport network in rural Scotland, there is a much stronger case here in the Borders for the Coldstream and Jedburgh hospitals to be fully restored."

'Increased focus'

Ms Grahame has also expressed disappointment at the statement.

"Sadly it is not always possible to reverse the wrongs of a previous administration," she said.

"But I am committed to ensuring that increased focus is targeted towards looking at health service provision across the Borders, particularly for the elderly."