Furore over trip to Ravenscraig for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth patients continues

Tom and Catherine Johnston, who represent Cumbernauld East and Cumbernauld South respectively, wrote to NHS Lanarkshire CEO Heather Knox expressing their concern over making Ravenscraig the main vaccination centre serving North Lanarkshire- in a move we featured to howls of protest in last week’s edition.In their letter they state “There is strong opposition in the Cumbernauld area against having to travel to Ravenscraig for a vaccination and a strong feeling that maintenance of the local Muirfield Centre as a local alternative should be made crystal clear in the appointment letter and generally through the media.“Please also clarify whether NHS Lanarkshire expect the elderly – over 70 and over 80 – to journey to Ravenscraig and whether vaccination at GP surgeries remains an option. We would point out that there are no direct public transport links from Cumbernauld to Ravenscraig.“What are the arrangements for the housebound ?“We are also concerned that a perception that there is no alternative to Ravenscraig could result in many people simply ceasing to seek vaccination.”An NHS Lanarkshire spokesperson said:“We recognise that people in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth areas have concerns about transport to the Ravenscraig Vaccination Centre in Motherwell and are currently working with SPT to put in place a local service which will be specifically for people going for their vaccination at Ravenscraig. We are hoping to have this new service up and running over the next few days.“We have listened to the issues raised from people living in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth areas and would like to reassure them we understand that our plans for two supercentres will not be suitable for everyone.“The Muirfield Vaccination Centre is not being closed. While all appointments will initially be at one of the two supercentres there is the option to rebook at one of seven local centres, including Muirfield, which will be available from 25 March on a rotational basis.”

It was stressed that mobile units may be used.