Errol practice on the move

GP service under threat

Errol GP practice will relocate to the portable cabin in St Madoes this month, following the withdrawal of plans for a temporary surgery.

The move ends uncertainty about the St Madoes facility, which was previously deemed unfit for purpose, in the immediate future.

But Errol doctors are warning if a new permanent home is not found soon, it could have a major impact on health services in the Carse of Gowrie.

The practice will shift to the St Madoes centre on April 23, two days before its closure, until a better temporary home can be found.

Last year patients at the St Madoes surgery had been wrongly told the practice would close when a sign appeared on its noticeboard before being quickly removed.

Plans for a temporary surgery on the edge of Errol were eventually submitted to PKC, however they were subsequently withdrawn after complaints from residents.

A statement from the Errol doctors to patients sent out last week said: “The premises in Errol have been for sale since early 2017 and the practice have been served a six month notice period to vacate by April 25. The GPs are determined to find a solution to allow them to maintain their service without interruption or unnecessary detriment to their patients care. It is with this in mind that the decision has been made to relocate the whole service to St Madoes from Monday, April 23, until further notice. This option will provide an emergency solution for the coming months only.

“The GPs and Morris Leslie plan to make a new application for temporary premises for the next three years on an alternative site. We believe this proposal will address the issues raised against the previous application.

“The relocation of GP services to St Madoes is only sustainable for a short period to allow the GPs to make this new application.

“Unfortunately if this application is unsuccessful it is unlikely that the GPs would be able to continue delivering the current service.”

SNP elected member for the ward Cllr Beth Pover added: “I support the use of the surgery as a means of securing healthcare in the Carse as a more permanent solution is secured.

“Whilst the situation where healthcare is provided to a wider area from St Madoes Surgery is not ideal, if this is currently the only option to secure healthcare in the Carse for the future and I am confident that a permanent solution will be found in the longer term.”

Conservative Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes said: “I am delighted that the doctors in the Carse are committed to finding a solution to their accommodation problems.

“Whilst a move to St Madoes for the entire practice on a temporary basis is not ideal, it’s really the only viable option for the next few months.”

This option will provide emergency solution