In-Patient Services Ruled Out for Dumfries and Galloway Cottage Hospitals

A review has concluded that in-patient services will not be reinstated at four cottage hospitals across Dumfries and Galloway. The region’s health and social care partnership conducted an assessment of various possibilities for the facilities located in Moffat, Thornhill, Newton Stewart, and Kirkcudbright. Advocates had previously argued that reopening beds at these hospitals could alleviate pressure on existing services and enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas. However, the decision has now been made to develop these sites instead, providing a “range of important services” for their respective communities. This determination was reached during an extraordinary meeting of Dumfries and Galloway’s Integration Joint Board (IJB). The board had been considering a spectrum of alternatives, from reintroducing in-patient care to the complete closure of the sites. The four hospitals ceased admitting in-patients during the Covid pandemic and have not resumed this service since. This cessation prompted a comprehensive review and extensive public consultation regarding the future use of these facilities, which are dispersed throughout the region. Andy McFarlane, who chairs the IJB, stated that the outcome “guaranteed the future” of the cottage hospitals. He added that while they still have a significant role, it “must evolve to best meet the changing needs of our population.” The plan involves transforming them into “community hubs” that will offer a variety of day and outpatient services. In Moffat, the building will be modified to serve as a new permanent base for the town’s GP practice. Mr. McFarlane affirmed that the board had considered the perspectives gathered during the consultation, including calls for the re-establishment of in-patient services. Nevertheless, he indicated that their data consistently demonstrated sufficient capacity within their hospitals to deliver in-patient care for individuals with a “medical need” for hospitalization. He emphasized that the decision had not been “taken lightly.” Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, characterized the decision as “incredibly disappointing.” He noted that the public had desired a hybrid service model, incorporating the reinstatement of at least some beds. He stated: “Once again the IJB has failed to deliver the ambitions of the public consultation exercise.” He continued: “It has failed to listen to the views of the general public in making their decision.“Why go to the bother of asking people what they want only to disregard them – just like they did with maternity services in Wigtownshire?”. Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, accused the health partnership of “shameful spin” for labeling a “hub with no beds” as a hospital. He suggested it was inevitable that facilities in Annan, Lochmaben, Castle Douglas, and Langholm would eventually face a comparable outcome. He remarked: “The public consultation made clear that patients and staff wanted a return of inpatient services and that isn’t happening.” He added: “Members of the IJB have treated the public with contempt by ignoring their own consultation.” He concluded: “They have acted appallingly by pitching the concept of community hubs verses in-patient beds, when you could have both.”