FEARS have re-emerged over the future of East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock.

A major cause for concern is a GP unit which is normally full — with a waiting list — but is currently around two-thirds empty with just nine patients.

This follows the closure of a frail and elderly ward which has involved patients being moved to Ayr.

Staff have been told that this is a temporary arrangement due to ‘staffing issues’ but one resident remains unconvinced.

She told the Chronicle that hospital workers and people in the community are worried the hospital is being scaled down towards a complete closure.

Eddie Fraser, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, says that is not the case.

He said: “We have repeatedly confirmed that East Ayrshire Community Hospital remains an integral part of our vision to deliver sustainable services in the local community. The hospital is a valuable community asset that the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) intends to develop.

“It is at the heart of our vision to deliver sustainable services in the local community and we are actively seeking opportunities to invest in new models of care, with the hospital as a key resource.

“Rather than the hospital being scaled down, we want to see a shift in the balance of care where more care is being delivered closer to people’s own homes. East Ayrshire Community Hospital is well placed in that respect and will be developed to help us achieve our vision.

“The number of patients in the hospital varies over the year and is low at present. The HSCP are working with both local GPs and University Hospital Ayr to maximise use of the hospital.

“We are disappointed that rumours about this hospital’s future continue as I am sure this causes distress and worry to the local community. I would offer my reassurance that we are committed to continuing to provide services from East Ayrshire Community Hospital into the future.”