Health in Moray: Douglas Ross and Richard Lochhead meet with local campaigners following Hopeman and Burghead surgery closures
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
LOCAL politicians have met with the Save Our Surgeries campaign group following the decision to close two coastal doctors surgeries.
The campaigners, who are keen to save the two practices in Hopeman and Burghead met with Moray MP Douglas Ross and Moray MSP Richard Lochhead last week, following the Moray Joint Integration Board's decision on January 26.
A spokesperson for the group said: "We were delighted to meet with both of Moray's political representatives and look forward to working with them toward a more successful outcome which will meet the needs of both communities."
Richard Lochhead MSP said: “This decision has naturally caused upset and anger in the local communities and the members of the Save our Surgeries Group are determined to carry on their campaign. They would like a bespoke solution to be sought and point out that the number of patients involved should justify this. We all appreciate that the local medical practices are under pressure but the closure of the surgeries with the consequent transfer of many patients to alternative practices is causing much concern locally.
“Issues like the availability of public transport is a big concern, especially if you are elderly and vulnerable or cannot drive. I’m told the dial-a-bus service cannot be booked for same-day emergency appointments and in any case offers a very small window of availability and a journey in close proximity with other ill people.
“I will therefore be urgently consulting with the health authorities to explore any other possible options which would better serve the area around Burghead and Hopeman.”
A number of issues were discussed at the meetings including the difficulties with transport and the Scottish Government's 20 minute neighbourhood policy.
This means that people should be able to access their day-to-day needs within 20 minutes - whether by walking or having safe access to public transport - but that is no longer the reality for patients living in Burghead and Hopeman, who cannot access Moray Coast Medical Practice's Lossiemouth Health Centre by public transport.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This was a welcome opportunity to meet with local campaigners who are determined to save and protect local GP surgeries in Hopeman and Burghead.
“They are working tirelessly to ensure that their fellow local residents can easily access vital healthcare services in their own community. That is proving increasingly difficult to achieve in rural and remote areas such as these Moray villages.
“While the ideal outcome would be for both GP surgeries to stay open, that is extremely challenging in the current climate. However, campaigners have made it clear that they are willing to compromise and explore the possibility of a surgery at least being open at Burghead in the meantime.
“That was just one of the constructive ideas that came out of this positive meeting with campaigners. Other GP practices in the area are already overwhelmed and the permanent closure of these surgeries will only exacerbate that.
“We need to find a positive solution for patients in Hopeman and Burghead and I am determined to work closely with local campaigners and ensure that the healthcare needs of those living in Moray’s remote and rural areas are not forgotten about.”
