Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today written to NHS Tayside following a recommendation to close Invergowrie Medical Practice.
Mr Swinney’s intervention comes following yesterday’s (30th May) Special Meeting of the Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board, where the proposals to close the practice and move patients to GP surgeries within Dundee were formally put forward and discussed.
In his letter, Mr Swinney emphasises the need for the continuation of medical services within Invergowrie and has urged that all steps are taken to re-introduce in-person healthcare within the existing GP surgery building.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“Since the closure of Invergowrie Medical Practice was first raised as a possibility, I have been clear that such an outcome would be of significant detriment to both patients of the surgery and the village as a whole. To that end, it is hugely disappointing that the practice now looks likely to close.
“Within Invergowrie, there is a real appetite to maintain local healthcare services. This has been evidenced by the dozens of constituents who have contacted me regarding this matter and by the meetings I have held with worried patients.
“Many of my constituents have raised specific concerns over the difficulty of travelling to GP surgeries in Dundee, particularly for those who are elderly, vulnerable or who do not have access to private transport. I share these concerns wholeheartedly, and have repeatedly raised them with senior stakeholders involved in this decision-making process.
“To that end, I have once more written to NHS Tayside to press the case for maintaining health services within the village. Whilst I will continue to advocate for a full GP service, I believe that, should this not be viable in the short-term, all efforts should be made to ensure that the current building continues to provide as many face-to-face services as possible.
“I will continue to engage on this matter going forward and, should any constituents have specific concerns regarding this matter, I would ask that they contact my office directly.”
