Moray SNP News

MSP TOLD EYE CLINICS AT DR GRAY�S TO RECOMMENCE IN APRIL

Richard Lochhead MSP has this week received an update from NHS Grampian on the progress they’re making in efforts to re-commence eye clinics at Dr Gray’s Hospital, and has welcomed confirmation that the clinics will start again in Elgin in April.

Mr Lochhead has been in regular contact with the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian on this issue, pressing the need for patients in Moray to have a local ophthalmology service available.

NHS Grampian are currently in the process of recruiting for the ophthalmology consultant vacancy and Mr Lochhead has been told that they also hope to recruit an additional consultant to replace capacity previously provided by the independent sector.

Moray’s MSP has been informed that when clinics restart in April cataract operations will be restored, meaning patients no longer dace a lengthy journey to Aberdeen.  Eye injection sessions will also be restored in Elgin soon with 4 sessions per week to accommodate all of the historic Moray demand for the service.  

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“In recent months I’ve been contacted by many constituents who have been really struggling with the journey to Aberdeen for eye clinic appointments, as well as those who have faced delays in treatment due to the lack of local clinic.  I’ve raised this with NHS Grampian on a number of occasions and put pressure on them to do all they can to ensure an ophthalmology service returns to Dr Gray’s quickly.

“This latest update from NHS Grampian, indicating that eye clinics will start again at Dr Gray’s in April is a big step forward.  I know that many patients living in Moray will be relieved to learn that appointments will be available in Elgin again very soon for various treatments, including cataract operations and eye injections.

“I’m also pleased that the health board are looking to recruit an additional consultant over and above the current vacancy, which hopefully will mean they’re in a better position to deal with the level of demand both in Moray and right across the region.”