Campaigners pressing for a new health centre in a Moray town are upbeat following the Health Secretary’s visit to the complex.
Patients in Keith want run-down facilities at the health centre and Turner Memorial Hospital to be replaced.
Yesterday minister Shona Robison boosted the hopes of campaigners by saying the project aligned with Scottish Government policies for patient care.
However, she stopped short of backing the campaign, explaining there was “work to be done”.
Last night, those pushing for the upgraded facilities believed their campaign had taken a step forward following the visit.
Practice manager Lynn Ross described the meeting as “positive”.
Meanwhile, Leon Stelmach, chairman of the health centre’s patient participation group, added: “I was not expecting a big announcement of funding or anything like that.
“I think she was surprised at how well-used the hospital is. I think she gave us a fair hearing, if she continues to do that then we will be much further down the road.”
It is understood that two sites near Keith Grammar School have been identified as potential locations for the new health centre.
NHS Grampian has stressed the project is a “high priority” but warned it could be a “number of years” before progress is made.
During her visit Ms Robison met patients, staff, as well as the campaigners to discuss upgrades to Keith Health Centre.
She said: “We want to modernise the primary care estate, more and more Scottish Government is going into community health services.
“The whole estate is undergoing a transformation – that’s not going to happen overnight but bit-by-bit.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done but it fits with the strategic direction.”
However, Moray MP Douglas Ross criticised the visit as a “missed opportunity” to pledge funding.
He said: “Staff and members of the patient participation group have made a compelling case for a new hospital.
“The people of Moray need significant investment in our NHS services and that’s why it’s so disappointing that on this visit Shona Robison has delivered nothing.”
