Future of Carse surgery discussed
NHS staff due at meeting
Cllr Angus Forbes A public meeting has been organised to discuss healthcare in the Carse of Gowrie.
Local councillor Angus Forbes has organised the gathering for 7pm on Tuesday, November 28, in St Madoes’ Madoch Centre.
Jointly hosted by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, it is hoped a representative of NHS Tayside will be in attendance.
Conservative elected member Cllr Forbes said “In September, a notice was posted on the wall of the surgery [in St Madoes] announcing its closure. The notice was quickly withdrawn and a consultation was announced on the future of the surgery.
“Over 50 residents have contacted me to express concern about this potential closure.
“Along with Murdo Fraser MSP, I will be hosting a public meeting. Rob Packham, chief officer of the NHS Integrated Joint Board, will be in attendance along with some of his staff to answer questions about the future of the surgery.”
Mr Fraser said: “Residents in the Carse of Gowrie are increasingly concerned at the level of GP provision in light of the closure of the St Madoes practice and I look forward to meeting with residents in the coming weeks to hear their views.
“There are serious issues with General Practice across Scotland, not least difficulties in recruiting sufficient staff. But I still think it is important that there is local access to GP services if there is a realistic way for this to be achieved.
“Our NHS faces unprecedented challenges but at the heart of any change has to be what’s right for the patient. In recent public meetings I have heard first-hand from patients in constant pain yet still waiting for the operation they desperately need and this has to change.”
The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in the St Madoes Surgery as well as more general healthcare issues in the Carse of Gowrie.
Over 50 residents have expressed concern