Health in Moray: Future bright for Dr Gray's – but new hospital unlikely
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The prospect of a new building for Dr Gray’s is unlikely to come to fruition.
That's the view of the Elgin hospital's general manager Alasdair Pattinson who, nevertheless, said its future is bright.
Mr Pattinson gave a presentation to Elgin Community Council this week as part of a public consultation on the future of Dr Gray’s.
Many of those who have already responded to the consultation would like to see a new hospital built in the town.
Mr Pattinson felt there was a "positive" time ahead but stated he was "not sure about a brand new hospital".
He said: "Dr Gray’s has got a bright future, I don’t think we should be worrying about it.
"It’s important we have really honest conversations."
Those attending the community council meeting on Tuesday raised several issues surrounding the hospital.
These including patents having to attend appointments in Aberdeen, its downgraded maternity service and general fears that the hospital could close.
Cllr Amber Dunbar (Elgin North, Conservative) told the meeting young Moray women considering starting a family were "terrified" at the though of having to travel to Aberdeen or Inverness to give birth.
Cllr John Divers (Elgin South, Labour) said: “The people of Elgin and Moray feel that the board just want to shut Dr Gray’s down.
"That’s still in the background."
Mr Pattinson gave reassurances the hospital was safe.
He said: "There’s no way that services in Aberdeen and in Highland could cope with not having Dr Gray’s.
"Covid has taught us a lot and that we can do things differently.
"All of the travel stuff is not always necessary.
"If people don’t do technology at home we could have it in Dr Gray’s."
Some of the pressures facing the hospital include the recruitment of theatre nurses, finding accommodation for medics and delayed discharge of patients.
Between 20 to 25 beds are regularly occupied by patients who could go home but do not have care packages in place to allow them to do so.
This means theatres at the hospital are not being used to their full capacity as too few beds are available for those recovering from operations.
