RESIDENTS have voiced concern over the proposed move of cancer care from Ayr Hospital to Crosshouse.

Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council penned a letter to the local health chief asking how the transfer of Tier 2 chemotherapy patients to Crosshouse would benefit residents in South Ayrshire.

In the letter to Leslie Bowie, Acting Chair of NHS Ayrshire & Arran they highlighted travel times and costs as key issues ‘extremely stressed’ patients and their families will face.

FHMCC pointed out that a patient from Ballantrae would have to pay a fare of £26.40 which they say is a ‘disgrace’ for someone on a low budget and the journey taking more than four hours.

In a letter sent to the Ayr Advertiser it says: “All this when someone is facing their worst nightmare and the worst time of their life.All of the Residents of South Ayrshire, no matter which town they live in, deserve more than you propose.”

NHS Ayrshire & Arran say they conducted a review of travel

erever possible, our aim is to reduce the burden of travel for patients, but only if this can be done without compromising the safety of treatment, which is paramount.

“Where appropriate, we will use remote clinical assessment – for example, some appointments may take place over the phone or by video call, requiring no travel at all for the patient.”