NHS bosses dismiss 'overnight closure' rumours at Ayr Hospital A&E

dailyrecord.co.uk:

NHS bosses have been forced to dismiss widespread rumours that Ayr Hospital’s A&E is being primed to close overnight - before a complete closure.The rumours also suggest that A&E services could move to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, as part of a radical shake-up of service provision.Multiple well-placed sources have come forward claiming plans are being ‘drawn up’ for an overnight closure of the A&E (from 8pm to 8am).

And the sources also warn that the bigger picture is for a complete closure of the department in 2024.One health source told Ayrshire Live: “Rumours are flying about the hospital among the staff and the chat is; there are plans to close the Ayr Hospital A&E overnight.”Another source said: “I heard the first plan is to close it between 8pm and re-open it again at 8am.

To some, that will ‘soften the blow’ for what is to come. But the long term strategy is a complete closure and for services to move to Crosshouse.”The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.The rumours about the A&E department first surfaced over the weekend and are causing widespread fear throughout the region.South Scotland Conservative List MSP, Sharon Dowey, also confirmed she had heard similar stories about the potential overnight closure.

And Ayrshire Live has learned she was “so concerned” about the veracity of the rumours, she has already penned a letter to NHS chiefs, asking them