Relatives and patients previously forced the health board to abandon its initial plans to close ward two at the hospital and rethink its plans.

Ron McLennan, whose mother is a patient on ward two, said they were happy with the proposal but were seeking assurance in black and white to ensure NHS Tayside cannot go back on their plans.

Dundee-based Age Concern Advocacy Officer Ian Borthwick praised the group for the sterling work they have done to save the closure-threatened ward, which he believes would have went ahead had it not been for the patients and relatives making their voices heard.

Mr McLennan said, “One of the group heard this story four or five years ago. In all fairness, Gerry Marr wasn’t there then

“They were trying to railroad the closure of the ward through but they then realised they weren’t going to get away with it.

“The closure would have gone ahead had we not done something about it.

“They said wards two and three are not fit for purpose and are proposing to replace them with a new building.

“That’s great if it happens. In the real world it would be great, but what worries me is if they change their mind again further down the line.

“One of the group has been through this before and it has never come to fruition.

“We have taken minutes of the meeting and Gerry Marr agreed to sign them as some sort of assurance that he will stick to the plans.

“As long as we get something in writing that our relatives are going to be kept there until the new building is complete and they can just be transferred straight over.”

Mr McLennan said the patients all had “peace of mind” that they will remain in ward two but some relatives are sceptical due to similar promises made several years ago that never materialised.

Mr Borthwick said, “It was a very constructive meeting. There was obviously concerns as to the future of the ward and the long-term provision of more suitable purpose-built accommodation.

“Gerry Marr advised the meeting that there was an approvement in the capital funding and business plans were now being constructed.

“The most important thing is the full commitment of NHS Tayside that patients and relatives will be kept fully informed and consulted. Whitehills Hospital, in Forfar, was headed up as an example of this.

“The meeting realised changes had to occur and new accommodation had to be provided. It’s also important the present wards are not allowed to become run down and high standards continue to be met.

“Patients, relatives and staff are heartened by the commitments given.

“It’s important to keep our eye on the ball. Detailed minutes of the meeting were taken. He (Mr Marr) will write back giving NHS Tayside’s position.

“We are happy with the way things have progressed. This here exercises clearly what would have been a fait accompli.

“If patients and relatives had not put their views across very forcibly, then it would have been a different scenario altogether.

“It has been a success for them in the long run but we need to make sure these proposals come to pass.”