South Ayrshire Council is writing to the Health Minister, Andrew Kerr, to formally object to the decision to close the Accident and Emergency facility at Ayr Hospital, pointing out that it is “resolutely opposed” to the closure.

An emergency motion, brought before the full meeting of the Council, was approved by all Councillors.

The motion was proposed by Council Leader Gibson T. Macdonald, who said: “We are all desperately disappointed by the decision of the Health Board.”

The motion stated: “This Council remains resolutely opposed to the closure of the Accident & Emergency facility at Ayr Hospital and considers that the issues raised by the Council during the consultation phase have not been adequately addressed by Ayrshire and Arran Health Board.

“The Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Health Minister detailing the Council’s objection and concerns regarding the decision endorsed by the Health Board and to request that the Minister rejects the option adopted. Thereafter to instruct the Board to seek a solution that is more in line with the needs and wishes of the community while allowing the Board to develop their long term plans.”

October 2006