The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
MP calls for NHS Tayside to probe actions which led to closure of busy GP practice.
Board criticised for lack of communication with 3,500 patients despite having three months’ notice
A Perthshire MP has called on NHS Tayside to investigate its actions surrounding the closure of a busy village GP practice.
The health board came under fire at a public meeting in Bridge of Earn on Monday night, attended by local politicians and more than 200 anxious patients following the decision to close the outdated practice on Friday, on the back of its two doctors resigning.
NHS Tayside bosses confirmed letters were sent out that day informing villagers where they would be receiving primary healthcare for the next 12 weeks, but were lambasted for leaving it so late to contact the 3,500 patients.
This is the first formal correspondence Bridge of Earn residents have received since the doctors handed in their notice three months ago.
The failure to communicate with patients has been condemned by Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham.
The Conservative has now demanded that health bosses analyse the past three months to provide an explanation into the “unacceptable” lack of communication.
Mr Graham said: “The level of communication has been outrageous.
“Days before the surgery is due to close, patients are left with no certainty about their new surgery, or if they will have their records by the Friday deadline.
“I have spoken directly with the GPs and the NHS Tayside chief executive to try and find alternative solutions to keep the practice open in the short term.
“In the meantime, when Holyrood resumes, we need an inquiry to hold NHS Tayside to account. The community has been badly let down, and people have a right to know why.
“We need to get transparency about how the decision came about.
“There are a lot of angry people here. Our job is not to get more angry, but to try and find solutions from it.”
A statement from NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership said another meeting was held yesterday to discuss contingency plans.
It added: “It was recognised that many local people have been upset with the process and therefore all involved are committed to learning lessons from what has happened and working together to identify ways of improving primary care services for the future.
“Following the Earn Community Council meeting on Monday it was really clear to both NHS Tayside and the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership that the community in Bridge of Earn and the surrounding areas want to be involved in shaping health and social care services.
“Both organisations are committed to making sure that there is now improved communication and involvement with the local community regarding the future delivery of primary care services in the area and we look forward to working with the community to explore services tailored to their needs.”
Days before the surgery is due to close, patients are left with no certainty about their new surgery. MP LUKE GRAHAM