Ross welcomes NHS Grampian commitment on appointment times
MORAY MP Douglas Ross is pleased that NHS Grampian is prepared to be flexible on appointment times given to Moray residents who have to travel to Aberdeen for tests or treatment.
Douglas said: “I recently wrote to NHS Grampian after I was contacted by a constituent who received a letter to tell him that his appointment at ARI for test results was at 8.30am, which is clearly an unsuitable time to offer someone travelling from Moray, especially if they are reliant on public transport.
“In their reply, NHS Grampian accepted that such an early appointment time had caused difficulties and have suggested that if patients receive outpatient appointments that are too early in the morning then they should phone the number on their appointment letter and request an alternative time, which I am told should be easily facilitated.”
Douglas also raised the question of digital technology and what plans NHS Grampian has to offer virtual clinics for consultations or to deliver test results to patients at Dr Gray’s Hospital to save them having to travel to Aberdeen.
Douglas added: “NHS Grampian have told me that they currently offer virtual clinics for some neurology and podiatry services, and that they are looking at how digital technology can be used to offer further services at local clinics or even directly into a patient’s home. This is good news for people in Moray and I look forward to technology allowing even more patients being able to access services without having to travel to and from Aberdeen.”