The Carse Medical Practice, operating out of a temporary facility near Errol, will cease operations on September 12th, leaving approximately 3,600 patients without a local GP. This closure creates a significant gap in primary care services between Perth and Dundee and raises concerns about healthcare access for residents of the Carse of Gowrie.
The practice’s relocation saga began in 2018 when they were forced to vacate their original Errol surgery. A subsequent move to St Madoes proved unsatisfactory as the new location was deemed unsuitable. Since 2020, the practice has functioned from temporary premises at Westley, a situation that has now reached an impasse. Years of Uncertainty Culminate in Closure
The looming closure has sparked criticism of NHS Tayside, with accusations of prolonged inaction contributing to the current predicament. Councillor Alasdair Bailey, a patient at the practice, expressed his dismay, citing seven years of inadequate response from the health board. He pointed to the lack of funding for a permanent facility as a major factor in the practice’s inability to recruit new doctors and maintain stability. The temporary location in a field outside Errol has further compounded the issue, creating an air of uncertainty that has ultimately led to the partners’ decision to close.
Mr. Bailey has organized a public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday at Errol Village Hall to address community concerns. He has also contacted John Swinney, First Minister and local MSP, requesting intervention and accountability from NHS Tayside. His proposal includes urging NHS Tayside to establish a directly-managed medical practice serving the Carse of Gowrie, ensuring continued access to essential primary care for the area’s 10,000 residents. Local MSP Vows Action
John Swinney has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and voiced his deep disappointment at the closure announcement. He intends to seek an urgent meeting with NHS Tayside leadership to discuss potential solutions and reconsider the decision. Mr. Swinney emphasized the substantial funding allocated to NHS Tayside in the recent Scottish Government budget, questioning the closure in light of this increased financial support. He intends to press the health board to prioritize the healthcare needs of the affected communities. NHS Tayside Responds
While the Carse Medical Practice declined to comment directly, an NHS Tayside spokesperson acknowledged the widespread impact of GP shortages across Scotland. The spokesperson confirmed the health board’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to GP and primary care services for the patients currently registered with the closing practice. They stated that NHS Tayside is collaborating with the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership to develop a plan that will take effect from September 12th, the official closure date of Carse Medical Practice.
This closure follows a pattern of similar closures in the region, notably the Invergowrie practice in 2023, further highlighting the growing concerns about access to primary healthcare services in Perthshire and the surrounding area. Residents now face longer travel times and potential difficulties in securing appointments with GPs, raising questions about the long-term healthcare strategy for the region.
With the public meeting looming and Mr. Swinney’s intervention, the community waits anxiously for answers and a concrete plan to address this critical healthcare gap. The situation underscores the need for a long-term, sustainable solution that goes beyond short-term fixes and tackles the underlying issues impacting primary care provision in the region.
The practice’s relocation saga began in 2018 when they were forced to vacate their original Errol surgery. A subsequent move to St Madoes proved unsatisfactory as the new location was deemed unsuitable. Since 2020, the practice has functioned from temporary premises at Westley, a situation that has now reached an impasse. Years of Uncertainty Culminate in Closure
The looming closure has sparked criticism of NHS Tayside, with accusations of prolonged inaction contributing to the current predicament. Councillor Alasdair Bailey, a patient at the practice, expressed his dismay, citing seven years of inadequate response from the health board. He pointed to the lack of funding for a permanent facility as a major factor in the practice’s inability to recruit new doctors and maintain stability. The temporary location in a field outside Errol has further compounded the issue, creating an air of uncertainty that has ultimately led to the partners’ decision to close.
Mr. Bailey has organized a public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday at Errol Village Hall to address community concerns. He has also contacted John Swinney, First Minister and local MSP, requesting intervention and accountability from NHS Tayside. His proposal includes urging NHS Tayside to establish a directly-managed medical practice serving the Carse of Gowrie, ensuring continued access to essential primary care for the area’s 10,000 residents. Local MSP Vows Action
John Swinney has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and voiced his deep disappointment at the closure announcement. He intends to seek an urgent meeting with NHS Tayside leadership to discuss potential solutions and reconsider the decision. Mr. Swinney emphasized the substantial funding allocated to NHS Tayside in the recent Scottish Government budget, questioning the closure in light of this increased financial support. He intends to press the health board to prioritize the healthcare needs of the affected communities. NHS Tayside Responds
While the Carse Medical Practice declined to comment directly, an NHS Tayside spokesperson acknowledged the widespread impact of GP shortages across Scotland. The spokesperson confirmed the health board’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to GP and primary care services for the patients currently registered with the closing practice. They stated that NHS Tayside is collaborating with the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership to develop a plan that will take effect from September 12th, the official closure date of Carse Medical Practice.
This closure follows a pattern of similar closures in the region, notably the Invergowrie practice in 2023, further highlighting the growing concerns about access to primary healthcare services in Perthshire and the surrounding area. Residents now face longer travel times and potential difficulties in securing appointments with GPs, raising questions about the long-term healthcare strategy for the region.
With the public meeting looming and Mr. Swinney’s intervention, the community waits anxiously for answers and a concrete plan to address this critical healthcare gap. The situation underscores the need for a long-term, sustainable solution that goes beyond short-term fixes and tackles the underlying issues impacting primary care provision in the region.