Leanchoil Trust in discussions about involving NHS Grampian and Health and Social Care Moray in future of former hospital site
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HEALTH and care organisations have been discussing the possible future use of the town’s former hospital.
Health and Social Care Moray, the Leanchoil Trust and current site owners NHS Grampian are looking into how the buildings could still be used for the benefit of the townspeople should a community asset transfer be granted.
Leanchoil Trust chairman Graham Hilditch confirmed the group was set up following a Forres Community Council initiative featuring community engagement that led to a full business plan for the hospital that served local patients for more than 125 years before it was shut in 2018.
He said: “We are working hard and negotiating in the background. We recently had a meeting with NHS Grampian to see if they have any ideas for if we manage to get the CAT.”
NHS Grampian closed Leanchoil as part of new integrated model of health and social care for the Forres area backed by the Moray Integration Joint Board (IJB).
The Leanchoil Trust was formed to push for an alternative future for the site which extends to nine acres. The trustees hope to create a multi-use facility that will benefit veterans and the wider community. The trust is in talks with potential partners including forces charity, Erskine, but it has been suggested that local health services could still be involved.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: “We are continuing discussions with the Leanchoil Trust to fully explore whether a Community Asset Transfer bid will be made and whether this will be acceptable to all parties. We remain very keen to fully explore the possible future uses of the former hospital to benefit local communities. Any bid coming forward from the trust will have to evidence that it has a sustainable financial solution and that the proposals have the backing of the communities it will serve.”
A spokesperson for Health and Social Care Moray added that the partnership is actively involved in supporting the Leanchoil Trust in the development of the buildings to benefit local health and wellbeing needs.
