PRESS RELEASE

August 7th, 2011

MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde Duncan McNeil has called for assurances over the future of two local care homes impacted by the financial crisis at Southern Cross.

Mr McNeil is concerned about weekend reports that put doubts over the future of Merino Court and Newark Care Homes and has written to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon about the worrying situation.

He said: “The priority here has to be that alternative providers maintain current staffing levels and high standard of care.

“I have been concerned for some time about the developing situation in the Southern Cross homes in Inverclyde and wrote to the Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon asking for assurances over patient care.

“I am satisfied that she agrees with me that we must do all we can to allow people to stay in their current home although this has not been ruled out by the working group she has put in place.

“I will be taking a close interest in this, both locally and nationally as the convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s health committee, to ensure residents are protected during this difficult process.”