[Scottish Parliament, 31.10.2024] Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has today questioned the First Minister at FMQs on the threatened closure of Moss Park Care Home in Fort William which has left residents and families in fear and uncertainty over the future.
Mr Halcro Johnston highlighted that, despite a recent meeting between the Health Secretary, the Deputy First Minister and campaigners fighting to keep Moss Park open, no progress has been announced and social workers have begun contacting residents to inform them of impending relocations.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said this was causing distress for those affected, who feel they are losing the place many have come to call home.
Following the First Minister’s Questions, Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“Closing Moss Park means not just the loss of vital care facilities for the future, but serious disruption to the lives of its current residents, many of whom call it home.
“Given the fear and frustration the threaten closure of the home is causing, I asked the First Minister to explain what his government is doing to work with other local stakeholders to keep Moss Park open, and what support ministers were providing.
“While I am pleased that the First Minister appeared to recognise the seriousness of the situation and suggested the Scottish Government was willing to help, the residents of Moss Park and their families need more than just words, they need action and concrete assurances.
“If the Scottish Government, Highland Council and NHS Highland are serious about – and committed to – keeping Moss Park open in the long term, there is no reason it should have to close.
“I urge them all to work together to ensure Moss Park remains open and that its vulnerable residents, their families and the wider Lochaber community are given the certainty and reassurances they are entitled to that this will be the case”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The exchange between Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP and the First Minster is available here: https://youtu.be/z94kObotZP8?si=M2vWo17c1UjtVBZF
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