MP sparks panic over GP practice

Aboyne Medical Practice has reassured patients there is “no suggestion” the surgery will close after an MP’s leaflet sparked alarm.

Patients contacted the GP surgery in their droves after reading the “unclear wording” in the latest newsletter from local Tory MP Andrew Bowie.

The leaflet states the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine has “continually campaigned” against a “potential closure” of the surgery.

The blunder forced partners at the medical practice to issue a statement yesterday afternoon.

Mr Bowie has now apologised for the “confusion” he caused.

He said the leaflet should instead have referred to neighbouring Aboyne Hospital.

The community hospital has faced closures in recent years due to long-term staffing problems.

A statement from Aboyne Medical Practice said: “Many of you have been in touch with us over the last day or so regarding a campaign leaflet which you have received from Andrew Bowie MP and we just wanted to reassure you all that there is absolutely no suggestion that our practice is at risk of closure.

“We have been in touch with Mr Bowie and have asked him to correct the assertion in the leaflet about our practice and we hope to hear from him soon.”

In his response to the practice, Mr Bowie said: “The situation I was writing to inform constituents of is the ongoing challenge facing NHS Grampian in retaining healthcare professionals along the Deeside corridor – specifically at Aboyne Hospital.

“Unfortunately due to unclear wording this comes across as regarding Aboyne Medical Surgery.”

HEALTH: Aboyne Hospital was in MP’s mind. Picture by Kenny Elrick.

Andrew Bowie and the leaflet he admits featured ‘unclear wording’.