NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 11 November 2009a JOBS IN DANGER AT STRACATHRO There are reports today that the SNP Government’s decision to move The Scottish Regional Treatment Centre at Stracathro from private management to NHS control could cost 50 jobs. This is in addition to the £600,000 cost to the NHS budget to move the facility into NHS control. Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is a strong supporter of Stracathro Hospital and the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre as the investment in the facility meant the hospital’s future was safeguarded. In the past, Murdo has lodged several parliamentary questions asking the SNP Government to invest in Stracathro as well as raising the issue in the Scottish Parliament Chamber. Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said: “The Netcare contract was an excellent example of a successful partnership between the NHS and the independent sector, providing value for money for Scottish taxpayers, providing quality care and doing so in a way that reduced a waiting time burden on three Scottish Health Boards. “It is a matter of great concern that the SNP Government’s decision to scrap the successful contract at Stracathro and bring the Netcare contract back under NHS control means that local people could lose their jobs. “The news that redundancies will take place simply due to the SNP’s petty ideology calls into question the competency of Nicola Sturgeon as Cabinet Secretary for Health. Staff facing redundancy at any time is very difficult news but especially in the run up to Christmas. “The Netcare contract delivered real benefits to patients in the Angus area as well as providing employment for a lot of local people. Most importantly, this contract meant real investment in Stracathro and this investment has safe-guarded the future of the hospital. “As a result of the SNP policy, £600,000 will have to be found from NHS budgets to transfer the hospital from private management to full NHS control. Surgical procedures which were available at evenings and weekends, and which were vital in reducing waiting times, have all been scrapped. The SNP policy will see a reduced healthcare service at Stracathro, cost the taxpayer money and cost local jobs.” ENDS   back to top of page