Packed public meeting hears mixed news on health centres

The shape of healthcare services in the Carse of Gowrie is “a work in progress”, MSP Murdo Fraser told a packed public meeting.

More than 80 people attended the session in the Madoch Centre, St Madoes, where they were told new premises have been identified for the medical practice in Errol.

The practice is having to vacate its current building. The new base will be open by April next year.

However, there was disappointment among some members of the public when they were told no decision had been taken on the future of the satellite surgery in St Madoes which is currently housed in an unsuitable portable building.

If the doctors want to close it, they will have to apply to NHS Tayside and a public consultation would be required.

Conservative councillor Angus Forbes thanked Rob Packham, chief officer of the Perth and Kinross integration joint board for health and social care, and his colleagues for attending but added: “I share the community frustration that many questions still can’t be answered regarding the future of the health centre in St Madoes.

“This is largely a matter of timing, some questions simply don’t have answers yet and others are still the subject of discussion between the various parties that are involved.”

Conservative MSP Mr Fraser said: “There was a strong view from the meeting that there needs to be a GP presence in the area, even if it is in a different form from the present.”

It was agreed that another meeting will be held early next year.