Eye scanner pledge to diabetic patients

It was widely feared that local provision of a planned retinopathy clinic had been shelved.

Last year, we reported that NHS Lanarkshire would be investing in a cutting edge scanner which allows ophthalmologists to monitor the eyesight of diabetic patients who run a high risk of a condition called retinopathy.

Diabetics welcomed the move as they previously had to travel to Coatbridge to receive this specialist treatment.

However the clinic has so far failed to materialise, sparking concern among patients. And according to reports, healthcare staff have advised locals that the clinic will not be coming to Cumbernauld.

MSP Cathie Craigie, who was among those who pushed for the clinic, said she had become ''very concerned''.

"This service is vitally important to all diabetic sufferers, particularly the elderly.," she said.

"It is not acceptable that people from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area have to travel to Coatbridge to get access to this screening service,'' she added. "I will be in discussions with NHS Lanarkshire this week regarding this and I will strongly urge them to deliver on their promise and bring this retinopathy clinic to Cumbernauld."

Councillor Gordon Murray has also written to NHS Lanarkshire, asking what stage the plans are at.

''I am also disappointed to learn that this essential service for diabetics has not been established. Basically the feeling in Cumbernauld is that we are determined to have our health services improved not cut,'' he said.

But a spokesman for NHS Lanarkshire insisted that the authority will deliver on its promise.

"Final preparations are being made for the diabetic retinal screening clinic and it is due to start at Central Health Centre. Cumbernauld, with the next few weeks.

'' We are in the process of completing the necessary IT work and we will be in a position to announce the start date of the service shortly,'' he added.

"It will be available on Thursdays and Fridays and be open to patients who are currently attending the clinic in Coatbridge."

The News & Chronicle reported last week that a review of x-ray provision in Lanarkshire may lead to these services being withdrawn in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.