Blow for campaign to save Burghead and Hopeman GP surgeries
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CAMPAIGNERS aiming to re-instate the GP services in Burghead and Hopeman have vowed to fight on despite a blow to their efforts.
The branch surgeries have never re-opened since being shut in March 2020 by the Lossiemouth-based Moray Coast Medical Practice due to the pandemic.
Members of the Moray Integration Joint Board were told today that the practice has now told the landlord of the Burghead premises that it won't be renewing its lease on December 31.
In addition, the meeting also heard that the practice has also formally stated it has no intention of re-opening the surgery in Hopeman.
The joint board's chairman, David Robinson from NHS Grampian, said he felt "quite reassured by the continuing dialogue and involvement (with the local community)".
None of the other members of the joint board offered any comments.
Asked if today's happenings were a death knell for the local Save our Surgeries campaign, group member Dennis Slater from Hopeman said: "No. We’re going to keep going."
However Mr Slater added it was "very disappointing" as the group recently held positive discussions with Health and Social Care Moray's chief officer Simon Bokor-Ingram.
Campaigners have also discussed their issues with Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, who Mr Slater felt listened to their concerns.
He said: "We came away from that thinking that was constructive.
"And we felt we’d gained something. But now this.
"The surgery building in Hopeman used to be the Gospel Hall.
"If they’re going to sell it the money should go to the community.
"Considering what they’ve put the community through by closing the branch surgeries, surely it would be the decent thing to do."
Fellow campaigner Liz McKnockiter watched the meeting from her home in Burghead.
She said: "It’s an absolute farce. I’m disappointed but not surprised.
"Our next steps will be keeping the pressure on. And continuing discussions with NHS Grampian, Health and Social Care Moray and the cabinet secretary."
The Save Our Surgeries group protested outside Moray Council headquarters in May and June over the closures.
Since March 2020 patients from Burghead and Hopeman have had to attend appointments in Lossiemouth.
But some have faced long journeys as there is no direct bus service.
So they met current medical standards, it was estimated it would take about £116,000 to upgrade the Burghead premises and £142,000 in Hopeman, excluding VAT.
Moray Coast Practice is instead proposing a £170,000 refurbishment of the Laich Dental Suite at its Lossiemouth site.
A combined total of 114 patients were seen at the branch surgeries every week.
A public consultation on the closures received 650 responses, with about 75% against shutting them.
