Moray MSP pushes for MRI scanners at Dr Gray’s during meeting with new NHS Grampian Chief Executive
Bringing an MRI scanner to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin was top of the agenda when a local MSP met the new health board CEO.
SNP MSP for Moray Richard Lochhead met the new Chief Executive of NHS Grampian Laura Skaife-Knight at Dr Gray’s Hospital during which he made the case for the scanner to be based at the hospital.
This would prevent patients having to travel to Aberdeen for appointments.
He also discussed current waiting time challenges in services including orthopaedics and gynaecology.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Lochhead said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet NHS Grampian’s new Chief Executive at Dr Gray’s to discuss the importance of the hospital, and the services it provides, to Moray’s local population.
“For many years I have pushed NHS Grampian to invest in Dr Gray’s and to find innovative ways to reduce the number of Moray patients having to travel to Aberdeen for appointments. An example of that is the campaign for an MRI scanner for Moray, which I’ve been involved in, and I of course raised that with NHS Grampian during our meeting.
“We are all well aware of the significant pressures facing NHS services since the pandemic and I highlighted concerns around waiting times in a number of areas, including orthopaedics and gynaecology.
“Whilst NHS Grampian is in a challenging situation at the moment, it is vital that management gives people in Moray a clear commitment to investing in and supporting staff and services at Dr Gray’s Hospital.”