LIBDEMS JOIN FORCES IN CAMPAIGN TO KEEP LEUCHIE OPEN

6.04.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jul 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, is calling upon the MS Society to review its decision on Leuchie House in North Berwick.

Mr Hume, who believes the Society has a duty of care to its users, is backing the campaign to Keep Leuchie Open following news that the MS Society will withdraw support in November and has lodged a Motion in the Scottish Parliament.

The MSP is visiting the house for a second time on Monday 19th July with his Parliamentary colleague and Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Ross Finnie MSP, and Councillor Jacquie Bell.

Jim Hume 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 that managers work towards finding another care provider to take over the running of the house.

"Part of the longer term solution is to find a sustainable funding package that will allow the centre to run effectively, and that will undoubtedly involve a care provider who can take over the very specialised high dependency care currently available at the house.

"It would be devastating to the users of Leuchie House if this facility goes and I hope that a solution is found.

"Whilst Nicola Sturgeon has not commented substantially on the situation, I hope that she will step in and that discussions with the Society and the local authority will help towards finding a resolution."

Councillor Bell added:

"I share the concerns expressed my colleagues about the decision taken by the MS Society without asking those most affected and checking for alternative resources.

"As a social worker, however, I know resources are limited."

WHAT: Keep Leuchie Open Photo Opportunity

WHO: Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat / South of Scotland

Ross Finnie MSP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary

Councillor Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat / Dunbar and East Linton

WHERE: Leuchie House, North Berwick, EH39 5NT

WHEN: Monday, 19th July at 3pm

ENDS

Notes to editors.

Mr Hume will be meeting with the MS Society shortly and the text of his motion is shown below.

S3M-06737 Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): An Uncertain Future for the Users of Leuchie House- That the Parliament is greatly saddened by news that the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society intends to withdraw support from the Leuchie House respite care home in North Berwick in November 2010 following a review of its respite services; considers that Leuchie House, which hosts people with MS from all over the United Kingdom, provides a unique service and a high quality of care; expresses concern for the welfare of users of the service and that of their families and carers who will be unable to access similar respite care anywhere in Scotland after November; believes that the MS Society has a duty of care to its service users and their families to prevent a break in the service provision, and calls on the MS Society to reconsider its decision.