Merchiston Hospital drama project

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To commemorate the closure of Merchiston Hospital in 2007, NHS Argyll & Clyde’s Learning Disability Directorate is pleased to announce the start of a drama project with partner’s PACE theatre. This performance will be used to celebrate the important role that Merchiston Hospital has played in the lives of people with a learning disability for the past ninety-five years.

Devised with its central theme being the people of Merchiston Hospital, the performance will focus on past and existing service users, staff, and the hospital itself.

Merchiston Hospital is scheduled for closure by August 2007, by which time all remaining patients will have agreed suitable alternative care arrangements in place.

Seona Weir, Directorate Nurse Lead for Learning Disabilities in Renfrewshire said:

“Merchiston Hospital has been a huge influence on many peoples lives for a great many years. I hope that this performance will allow all those who have come into contact with Merchiston over the years an opportunity to share their thoughts, opinions, knowledge and memories.

“The performance will feature both professional actors along with service users and staff, and will incorporate not just drama, but also music and video to create the kind of dynamic and entertaining piece which PACE theatre are well renowned for. The performances will take place at the Wynd Theatre on the 20th and 21st April 2006 in front of an invited audience, all of who have a connection to Merchiston.

“A permanent record of the event will be captured with the production of a professionally edited DVD of the performance, complete with extra interviews. We hope this will be a fitting tribute to the people of Merchiston Hospital, and to the hospital itself.”

If you have been in contact with Merchiston Hospital at any time and have a memory which you would like to share and be included in the drama project, please contact either Drew Perrie, Julian Heng, Marie Gormley, Grace Canero or Seona Weir on 01505 328 261.

Press Release: Monday 27 February 2006