Community hospital funding aims to support families affected by dementia.

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Supporters of Insch Hospital are celebrating a significant boost in funding aimed at establishing a dementia support group at the community hospital, which has been largely inactive for the past five years. The funding, amounting to nearly £10,000, was awarded to the Friends of Insch Hospital from a community fund, marking a pivotal moment for local healthcare initiatives.
Plans for weekly support sessions
The Friends of Insch Hospital have outlined plans to host weekly support sessions in the hospital’s dayroom, in collaboration with Insch Medical Practice. This initiative is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for families dealing with the challenges of dementia.
An official spokesperson from Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in enhancing local health services.
Community response and the need for support
Dr. Paul Davies, a GP partner at Insch Medical Practice, highlighted the significance of this support group, describing it as a “significant step forward in supporting our most vulnerable patients.” The need for such services is critical, as families with loved ones suffering from dementia often face emotional and logistical challenges. The Friends of Insch Hospital expressed their delight at receiving the funding, stating that it would enable them to provide essential services to the community.
The future of Insch Hospital
Insch War Memorial Hospital has remained closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, with local health authorities citing safety concerns and outdated facilities as reasons for its continued closure. Despite previous commitments from former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to refurbish the hospital, the facility has yet to reopen. Local health chiefs are now exploring alternative community uses for the hospital site, which has been maintained in operational condition despite its inactivity.
The Friends of Insch Hospital have long advocated for the community to benefit from the hospital’s resources, and they are eager to see the dayroom utilized once again. Originally opened in 1993 with community-raised funds, the facility is well-equipped to support the new dementia service. The group has also proposed plans for upgrading the hospital, including the construction of a new 12-bed unit with ensuite bathrooms, further enhancing the community’s healthcare capabilities.
As the Friends of Insch Hospital prepare to launch the dementia support group, they remain committed to ensuring that the hospital continues to serve the community effectively. The revival of the dayroom as a support space represents a hopeful step towards addressing the needs of families affected by dementia, fostering a sense of community and care in the process.