ISSUES FACING PATIENT CARE in Moray topped the agenda when Moray’s MP met again with the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian.
Douglas Ross MP met with Malcolm Wright looking for answers on a number of constituency cases he had brought to the attention of the NHS Grampian chief recently at the request of constituents.
Staffing levels at Dr Gray’s Hospital was a matter of major concern discussed as was ambulance response times. The MP said that he was encouraged to learn of the considerable work being done by NHS Grampian to resolve the issues.
Mr Ross said: “It was good to meet with Malcolm Wright to get answers on a number of issues including staffing at Dr Gray’s Hospital and patient waiting times in Moray.
“I was pleased to hear that considerable work is being done to recruit additional staff, in particular at Dr Gray’s. I also understand that in a bid to make better use of available staff and help cut waiting times, NHS Grampian are coordinating their annual leave across the disciplines.”
The MP learned that a second Emergency Medicine Department consultant has been appointed as well as a new Geriatrician, and that NHS Grampian are working hard to fill a number of other clinical vacancies.
He added: “Whilst I am told that NHS Grampian is the most financially stable health board in Scotland, it is important that they continue to address staffing levels which is one of the main issues raised with me almost daily.”
On the issue of ambulance response times, a matter of particular concern in Moray, the MP said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service has appointed a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO), in effect a logistics manager to better manage patient transport. While there are still issues being raised with me, any progress in this area is welcome.”
Mr Ross concluded after the meeting that there was no doubt NHS Grampian staff in Moray worked “very hard to provide and proper service” adding that everyone was grateful to them for that.
He said: “But there are still a significant number of constituents coming to me with often concerning and distressing cases to be investigated. I will continue to work with the Health Board, and challenge them where required, to ensure we get the best possible level of care in Moray.”