Moray SNP News

RICHARD LOCHHEAD MEETS SAVE OUR SURGERIES COMMITTEE

Moray’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, has met with SoS committee members to receive an update on the campaign to secure viable health care provision in the Burghead and Hopeman area.

Earlier in the year the decision was taken to permanently close branch surgeries in Burghead and Hopeman which for many years served not only the two villages but also Duffus, Roseisle and Cummingston, encompassing a population of around 7000 people.

Subsequently the building where the Hopeman surgeries were held has been sold by the Moray Coast Medical Practice and they will not be renewing the lease on the Burghead building, which ends this month. Most locals must now travel to Lossiemouth for medical appointments and for some this can prove problematic.

Despite these setbacks, the SoS group have vowed to continue their campaign in pursuit of a solution which better meets the needs of all the people living in the area.

Commenting Mr. Lochhead said:

“It was valuable to meet with the committee again. Although they have been disappointed by recent developments, they retain the belief that a more acceptable arrangement can be found and are keen to negotiate with Health and Social Care Moray to this end.

“I hope that the community, our hard working local GPs, nurses and health practitioners can work together to find creative and positive solutions that address local concerns. 

“I am looking to support them with their efforts and am intent on collaborating with all the stakeholders involved. The loss of small surgeries is going to impact on many rural communities in Scotland going forward and innovative solutions need to be found. Health care is undoubtedly changing but the care for individuals should stay at the heart of NHS services.”

SoS Committee member, Liz Mcknockiter, added:

“I was delighted to be a part of a very useful meeting with our local MSP Richard Lochhead.

“Mr Lochhead brought forward new avenues to explore as part of our ongoing fight to retain some form of medical provision in the five coastal villages of Burghead, Cummingston, Hopeman,Duffus and Roseisle.”