Councillor Tracy Colyer says she is “extremely pleased” that her proposals to support patients in light of GP surgeries closing in Hopeman and Burghead were backed by members of Moray’s Integrated Joint Board.
At a meeting on Thursday, a report came to the board recommending that members agree to the permanent closure of the two surgeries.
While Councillor Colyer, who is the vice-chair of the board, says that she fully understands that the decision to close the two surgeries will be “hard to accept” for patients, she was determined to find “practical solutions” to support patients going forward.
Two amendments put forward by Councillor Colyer were accepted, unanimously that will promote the use of more digital technology through the health service, and also establish suitable transport provision to help patients attend appointments.
This could be through a coastal dial a bus service, until a permanent service is in place there is the resource of a taxi should patients find themselves stranded if dial a bus has to go to another pick-up.
Councillor Colyer says she will now continue to work closely with other members of the board, council colleagues and other interested stakeholders to ensure patients get the best health care possible.
Ward councillor Bridget Mustard says that she shares Councillor Colyer’s “satisfaction” that the amendments were backed, showing that cross-party working has brought about future benefits for patients.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Tracy Colyer said: “The closure of these GP surgeries in Hopeman and Burghead are undoubtedly a blow for patients in our rural communities in Moray.
“The reality is that Moray Coastal Medical Practice simply will not staff these surgeries. Having attended community council meetings, I know how passionate local residents were about keeping them, but ultimately that has not proven to be possible.
“That is why I was so determined to find practical solutions to support patients going forward.
“I am extremely pleased that fellow IJB members backed my plans to enhance digital health technology in the area, as well as exploring future transport provision.
“With how health is delivered ever evolving, it is important that our rural and remote pharmacies are fully equipped to deliver more services to patients, which can be done through using funding as part of the Moray Growth Deal.
“Ensuring that patients can attend appointments easily was also a key part of what I proposed. Rural transport provision is often very unreliable so a dedicated service can help make a big difference for patients who will now need to travel elsewhere.
“I will continue to work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that patients in Hopeman and Burghead have the best health care available to them.”
Ward Councillor Bridget Mustard added: “I am pleased that my colleague Tracy Colyer’s proposals were accepted.
“They were sensible and practical solutions in relation to a difficult situation in having to accept that these surgeries will ultimately not re-open.
“This shows the benefits of people working together for the benefit of local residents and communities who need reassurances that they will still be able to access crucial health services.
“I am committed to working with Tracy and others to deliver the best outcomes possible following this meeting.”
