'Too many unanswered questions' over Netherlea Hospital, claims councillor
A councillor has blasted the decision to axe a Newport hospital.
Netherlea will close after the Glenrothes and North East Fife Community Health Partnership (CHP) ruled it ''surplus to requirements''.
It insisted more ''care in the community'' could take any additional strain not met by community hospitals in St Andrews and Cupar.
Members also suggested Victorian-built Netherlea was not fit for purpose, with chairman Graham Watson claiming it was more suited to the ''National Trust than the National Health Service''.
The Courier understands that the closure is likely to be ratified at the end of this month.
However, Councillor Tim Brett is horrified by the move.
More than 1290 people signed a petition urging chiefs to spare the 10-bed hospital.
Mr Brett insists the cart has been put before the horse, saying no alternative arrangements are in place.
He had called for a decision on Netherlea's future to be delayed.
He said: ''I still believe that there are too many unanswered questions... and the right thing to do would have been to put community services in place before any closure was agreed.''
The councillor said he was ''extremely surprised'' to learn that there are just three patients at Netherlea.
He now intends to write to CHP general manager Vicky Irons to question the statistics.
Mr Brett said: ''I was extremely surprised to learn there are only three patients at present and I intend to ask Vicky Irons if a decision was actually taken to stop placing inpatients at Netherlea some time ago, in advance of this decision.
''I am not satisfied that the correct processes have been followed prior to this decision to close the hospital being taken.''
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