Scottish Conservative politicians have written to NHS Tayside’s Chief Executive to ask if the health body can intervene urgently to secure the future of the GP practice in the Carse of Gowrie.
Murdo Fraser MSP and Councillor Angus Forbes have written a joint letter to Nicky Connor following letters being sent out to patients of the Carse of Gowrie Medical Practice in Errol, which advises them it will close on September 12.
The move will leave around 3,600 patients with no GP between Perth and Dundee.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “Many constituents have contacted us about this, following letters being sent out to patients of the Practice, and they are understandably concerned. This move will leave around 3,600 patients with no GP between Perth and Dundee.
“We understand NHS Tayside was asked to come up with a solution to this issue a year ago after local residents raised concerns about the future of the service at the Carse Medical Centre in Errol. In addition, local Scottish Conservative Councillor, Angus Forbes has expressed disappointment at the lack of progress on the matter despite seven years of discussions about a permanent medical centre for the area.
“There are fewer GPs now and this situation has not been helped by funding cuts to our GP service by the Scottish Government.
“We would ask that NHS Tayside intervenes urgently to secure the future of the practice in the Carse of Gowrie. This is a very unsatisfactory situation, and we would ask that they look into this issue further.”
And Councillor Forbes added: “I was really disappointed to learn that the GP partners at Carse Medical Centre have decided to hand back their contract. Should the closure go ahead, this will leave the entire Carse of Gowrie without a medical centre. I have just spoken to a constituent who has now decided to sell their house and leave Errol. This along with the lack of public transport was just too much for them.
“I am told by the Health and Social Care Partnership that they will do everything they can to keep medical provision in the Carse including considering a 2C practice which is run by the NHS.”
