Moray MP Douglas Ross slams health officials over “sleekit” surgery closure plans following release of new internal emails
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross has slammed senior health officials, following the “shocking” revelations that guidance had been issued on closing the Hopeman and Burghead doctor’s surgeries prior to public consultation.
Email correspondence obtained exclusively by The Northern Scot, show that Health and Social Care Moray and the Moray Integration Joint Board were providing guidance to Moray Coast Medical Practice on how to avoid community backlash — and that plans to close the surgeries were in place months before the public were consulted.
READ MORE: Campaigners attack health bosses over “unbelievable dirty plot” to close Moray surgeries
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “These shocking revelations fully expose the sleekit behaviour at the heart of the closures of these vital healthcare facilities in Hopeman and Burghead.
“The fact that senior officials were already discussing closure plans for these practices – before they had even consulted on the plans with those who would be affected - is utterly disgraceful.
“From the outset patients in the two villages and the surrounding areas have been ignored and left feeling voiceless.
“There are serious questions to answer for those who prioritised protecting their own reputations, rather than recognising the need for GP practices in Hopeman and Burghead.
“A full and frank apology is the least Save our Surgeries campaigners and local people deserve, and I will continue to fully support campaigners and constituents in Hopeman and Burghead.”
