Hospital bosses: No axe for unit

Russell Steele • Published 30 Aug 2010 14:00

HEALTH chiefs have reassured worried patients that Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s crucial dermatology unit is not facing the axe.

Recent changes in staffing sparked concerns that the service could be under threat - and locals feared it may be transferred to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.

But NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde insists vacant posts within the department will be filled - and patients won’t be losing out.

The rumours were sparked when two staff members left their posts at the clinic, which treats people with skin complaints and offers sophisticated light therapy.

One patient, who did not want to be named, said: “Two of the staff recently took early retirement and have not been replaced, which has made people wonder what’s happening.

“I’m worried that they are looking at moving the service away up to Paisley because that was discussed in the past.”

The patient praised the dermatology staff at the IRH and said they had a ‘great rapport’ with patients.

He added: “The place is always busy but the staff are on first-name terms with everybody.

“They do a great job and there would be a lot less of the personal touch if everything moved up to the RAH.

“It would also involve a lot of travelling for people who have frequent appointments.”

But today hospital bosses moved to quash the fears and insisted the future of local dermatology services is safe.

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board said: “We can confirm there are absolutely no plans to remove outpatient dermatology services from Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

“We are actively recruiting for two vacant posts in the department which we hope to have filled in the near future.

“The service operates Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.”

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 30 Aug 10

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