LEUCHIE NEEDS MORE TIME - HUME (Jim Hume)

LEUCHIE NEEDS MORE TIME - HUME

July 19, 2010 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, was today joined by Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Ross Finnie MSP, during a visit and photo call held at Leuchie House in North Berwick.

The MSPs were also joined by East Lothian Council colleague, Cllr Jacquie Bell, and the group is backing local campaign efforts to retain the unique service provided by Leuchie House and its staff to MS sufferers following news that the MS Society will withdraw support in November.

Mr Hume, who believes that the MS Society has a duty of care to its users, said:

"I appreciate that this decision will not have been easy for the MS Society, however, all I would ask is that if they absolutely cannot change this decision, then it's crucial for managers to give staff the time to work towards either finding another care provider to take over the running of the house or to set up an independent charity with fundraising powers.

"The MS Society must make every effort to allow staff to find a solution and should assist in that process, but until that solution is found, the house should remain open to users. There must be no break in service provision.

"It would be devastating to the users of Leuchie House who come from all over the UK if this facility goes and I do believe that the Society has a duty of care to the MS sufferers and their families to keep Leuchie going.

"The bottom line is that Leuchie House needs to be given more time to find alternative solution. The cut off date of November isn't good enough.

"It's disappointing that Nicola Sturgeon MSP has decided not to step in. Of course everyone understands it's an operational matter for the MS Society, however, the fact is that Leuchie House probably relieves some burden from the NHS and so at the very least her support for the campaign would have been very helpful."

ENDS