Moray SNP News

MSP CONTACTS AUTHORITIES OVER GLENLIVET MEDICAL PRACTICE REFURBISHMENT PLANS

Richard Lochhead MSP has written to BT and Openreach expressing his disappointment that Glenlivet Medical Practice’s plans for a temporary move to the Croft Inn appear to have been scuppered due to delays in getting cables installed.

Mr Lochhead was contacted by constituents after the practice published an update for the 600 patients on its list, which states the temporary move had been cancelled.

The practice has secured funding from the Scottish Government to refurbish the Glenlivet surgery building and arrangement had been made for patients to be seen at the nearby Croft Inn whilst work was carried out. The MSP understands that local health authorities are now working with the practice to find an alternative solution that will low patients to be seen as close to possible while the GP surgery is renovated.

Commenting Richard Lochhead said:

“Having seen the update sent out to patients at the end of last week, I can only imagine the frustration felt by patients and the staff that their plans for a temporary move appears to have been scuppered due to delays with BT getting a service installed.

“The investment in the medical practice is good news for the local community, so it is really disappointing that delays with BT have caused such a big stumbling block for the team who have been working on this project.

“I’ve written urgently to BT and Openreach expressing my own disappointment over the delays in resolving problems at the Croft Inn, which mean the health board and practice management are now having to look for another temporary home for the duration of the renovation.

“BT and Openreach do have some questions to answer, given the GP surgery was supposed to be relocated to the Croft Inn back in November.

“I’ve been assured by the health authorities that despite these challenges, they are working to find a solution for patients to be seen as close to home as possible and I understand that GPs have suggested they could pick up extra home visits during this period, which is certainly welcome.”

ENDS