Fight to keep Hopeman and Burghead surgeries 'still on' says campaign group
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A MEETING organised by the Save Our Surgeries campaign group saw the public turn out in force on last night (Wednesday, August 2) with more than 100 people packing into Hopeman Memorial Hall.
The meeting provided updates on the ongoing efforts to retain the two branch surgeries in Hopeman and Burghead.
The two GP surgeries are operated by Moray Coast Medical Practice, and Save Our Surgeries and have been fighting against their permanent closure. However, while the fight continues, it was revealed at the meeting that Moray Coast Medical Practice has not renewed the lease for Burghead doctor’s surgery. Although the decision for permanent closure has not been finalised, Save Our Surgeries group member, Dennis Slater, said notice has been given to the landlord of the Burghead surgery that the lease – which finishes at the end of this year – will not be renewed.
Mr Slater, who was among seven members of the group to speak at the meeting, said: “It is clear that from the perspective of Moray Coast Medical Practice they are permanently closed and they are not coming back, but from our perspective, the fight to have our surgeries back is still on.”
Over the past year, the campaign group has been exploring all avenues to retain medical services in both Hopeman and Burghead. They have received support from Moray MP Douglas Ross, MSP Richard Lochhead, and local councillors in their endeavour to keep the surgeries open.
The closure of the two branch surgeries has been a long-standing concern for the community and one of the key issues raised at the meeting is the impact of the closures on face-to-face medical appointments. With no direct bus route to Lossiemouth, those unable to drive face a three-hour journey to visit a GP, or have a blood test taken.
The Save Our Surgeries campaign group affirmed its commitment to continuing the fight and plans to travel to Holyrood to hand over a petition to keep the surgeries open in the coming weeks. Group member Syanness Tunggal, who has a masters degree in public health, told the meeting: “People in Hopeman, Burghead and the surrounding communities make up around 30 per cent of patients and it is clear that they still want a GP in the community. They should be accountable to their patients and they are leaving a third of us behind.”
Mr Slater added: “It has been tough going. We have been round the block a few times, but the support from our MP, MSP and councillors has been phenomenal and we have the First Minister listening, the health minister is willing to meet with us and we have had incredible support from the community. We are going to stand up with all of you guys and fight on.”
