The head of north-east health partnership has insisted no decision has been made about the future of a hospital.
Ugie Hospital in Peterhead could be closed as part of review of Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s local services.
Like many other minor units it has struggled for staff and funding in recent years and is currently under review.
The integration joint board (IJB) is due to discuss the unit – which provides rehabilitation care for elderly patients before returning home from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – next month.
However, there is some speculation online that a decision has already been made behind closed doors.
But last night, AHSCP’s manager for north Aberdeenshire Mark Simpson insisted all options were still on the table.
He said: “I can categorically state that a decision about the future of the Ugie Hospital building has not been made and will not be made until the October 30 meeting of the Integration Joint Board, at the earliest.
“I think it is really important to clarify that even if the decision is taken to close the Ugie building, the services which are currently provided at Ugie will continue.”
Concerns have been raised online that a decision has already been made, with some staff members claiming they would be moved to Peterhead Hospital on November 4.
One former employee said it was not “acceptable” that staff were not being kept properly informed if a decision had been made behind-the-scenes.
She claimed: The staff of the Ugie weren’t even informed properly about this, they’ve been left in the dark.
“I’ve been fighting against this for a long time and I’m absolutely disgusted by it and I know other people who are also concerned.
“I care a lot about the staff and the hospital – this is really not acceptable.”
Mr Simpson urged people to attend a drop-in session on plans for Peterhead’s new care village next week, and said it would be the ideal chance to find out more about health care provision planned for the town.
The multi-million-pound care village, earmarked for land at Kinmundy, will include a 60-bed care home, community centre and eight supported accommodation bungalows.
The proposals will be on show, with staff on hand to answer any queries, at Buchan House on Wednesday, from 3pm-7pm.
