Montrose maternity plans scrapped
January 25, 2010
The project for the new Montrose Maternity Unit has been suspended indefinitely.This information was delivered just before 5pm today by e-mail to members of the project team, including Montrose midwifery team leader Phyllis Winters and user representative Avril Nicoll.
The e-mail explains that NHS Tayside is undertaking a review of its planned capital developments in view of financial uncertainties and "exploring a number of scenarios including the potential of using alternative funding solutions." It concludes, "A further review of the plan is ongoing and if funds become available or planning assumptions change, this project will be revisited". We understand Montrose Maternity is not the only NHS Tayside capital project affected.
After stalling repeatedly, the project had been planned for completion in November 2010 and things were well advanced. As recently as last Thursday Phyllis was taking calls checking the detail of the plans and room contents.
Avril says, "It has been clear from reports on the news over the past few months that NHS officials were going to be faced with difficult and unpopular decisions. However, having been reassured repeatedly before Christmas that the project was going ahead, and with the last team meeting less than two weeks ago, we had finally begun to believe it would happen. With only 10 months to go, plans were also underway to fundraise for and mark the opening.
"This news is hugely disappointing, but our priority must be to safeguard the award-winning service at the existing unit. As a start, we have asked for an immediate reconvening of the Angus Maternity Services Liaison Committee to take this forward."
Any recent service user who would be interested in joining the MSLC should contact Phyllis on 01674 832175.
Comments (1)
maternity unit
celeste duncan - Jan 29, 2010 9:29 PM
Such a shame to see that these excellent midwives are having to make do with their current building. They, and the mothers and babies they assist, deserve to be housed in the best, modern facilities. I'm really saddened by this news.
