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Better services for older people
11/01/2008
Proposals by NHS Highland to redesign services for older people were today given the go-ahead.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon approved the plans designed to improve community and rehabilitation services for older people to enable them to stay in their own homes and prevent the need for admission to hospital where possible.
As part of the board's proposals, Glencoe Hospital will close, with inpatient services being transferred to the Ballachulish site of independent, not-for-profit care home provider Abbeyfield. NHS Highland is entering into a formal partnership with Abbeyfield, who will provide a range of day, residential and nursing services and increase its bed capacity at Ballachulish from 18 to 24.
The closure of Glencoe will allow the board to free up resources to put in place more appropriate community and home based services.
The hospital will remain operational until Abbeyfield is ready to accept any patients which require transfer from Glencoe.
Ms Sturgeon said: "These proposals are in line with national policy for planning for services for older people and our recently published action plan, Better Health, Better Care.
"I am satisfied that they will achieve our aim of improving access to local services to support people in the community for as long as possible.
"I am aware of the level of support locally for Glencoe Hospital and I want to ensure that confidence is built up around the proposed shift in the balance of care to a more community-based service.
"Let me make it absolutely clear that Glencoe Hospital will remain open until NHS Highland concludes a formal agreemendt with Abbeyfield and the residential home is ready to accept any patients who require transfer.
"I expect NHS Highland, Highland Council and Abbeyfield to continue to work with patients, carers, staff and other partners to ensure these proposals provide older people in Lochaber with the high quality, safe, sustainable services they have a right to expect."