MCINNES AND BRUCE SPEAK UP TO PROTECT RURAL GP SERVICE (Alison McInnes)

Alison McInnes <info@alisonmcinnes.co.uk>

MCINNES AND BRUCE SPEAK UP TO PROTECT RURAL GP SERVICE

August 24, 2010 12:00 AM

Alison and Malcolm with Susan Drummond and Laura Stephen at Pitmedden Dispensary

Local parliamentarians Alison McInnes and Malcolm Bruce met with Haddo Medical Group to hear first-hand the potential impact of the recent decision to allow a commercial pharmacy to open in Tarves

Alison & Malcolm have from the outset supported the community in its objections against the granting of a pharmacy licence for Tarves, arguing that it would undermine the provision of GP services in the area.

Alison said:

" Having won the battle locally - the PPC turned the commercial application down - we were as dismayed as the local residents to hear that a faceless appeals panel with no local knowledge or accountability had reversed the decision. There is no doubt that this unpopular decision could have a significant impact on the way GP services are delivered in the area. It could put at risk the very provision of rural GP surgeries. We discussed these concerns with Dr Munro, Mrs Tanner and the local dispensers.

"There is now a great deal of uncertainty around whether the GP practice will be allowed to continue its dispensing for patients from Pitmedden and Methlick. That would inconvenience patients greatly. If these rights are removed then it might also impact on the ability of the GP practice to carry on with its three village model of service. That would be a loss for many patients. That decision now lies with NHS Grampian and we will make strong representations to the board on this matter."

Malcolm said:

"Patients in the Haddo practice area have been well served by the availability of prescription medicines at the GP practices.

"I hope it will be possible to maintain this service for most patients."

A petition expressing the community's anger at this appeal decision has been handed in to Alison & Malcolm's office and they have agreed to pass this on to the Health Minister responsible for the appeal panel.

ENDS