Future of Moray GP practices discussed at "positive" meeting of NHS healthcare professionals at Dr Gray's Hospital
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MORAY MSP Richard Lochhead has described a meeting at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin to discuss the future of GP services in the region as "positive".
Mr Lochhead chaired the meeting yesterday with healthcare professionals from across the NHS to discuss action that is needed to ensure services are resilient, sustainable and fit for the future.
The meeting comes after two local GPs said that crippling energy bills, difficulties recruiting staff and growing hospital waiting lists are creating a "perfect storm" for practices in Moray.
The pair added that an ageing population with more complex medical conditions, plus a fall in the number of practices are adding to the pressure doctors are experiencing.
However, Mr Lochhead says talks at yesterday's meeting were encouraging, adding that he has been informed that steps are already underway to support more doctors train in the north of Scotland.
Mr Lochhead said: “We had a positive and encouraging discussion about some of the initiatives already underway to improve the recruitment and retention of doctors in Moray and across Scotland.
"Importantly, several other new suggestions were made at the meeting that could help Moray both in the short and longer term.
"I was heartened by the constructive way in which everyone was willing to engage to ensure we have adequate GP and related services in the local area."
The number of GP practices across the NHS Grampian region has dropped from 84 to 69 since 2007. That represents an 18 per cent reduction.
But in Moray there has been a 25 per cent decrease in the number of GP practices, from 16 to 12.
Mr Lochhead added: "It’s vital that we have a strong focus on these issues, and we all demonstrate leadership and determination going forward.
“We agreed to take steps to pull together existing initiatives as well as to progress the new ideas put forward at the meeting. I hope to report back to the community soon."
