Concerns are mounting in the Carse of Gowrie as the Errol Medical Practice faces imminent closure, leaving thousands of residents uncertain about their future access to healthcare. The impending retirement of the practice’s two GPs has triggered the crisis, with a lack of replacements stepping forward to take over the contract. This situation has drawn sharp criticism from Dr. Andrew Buist, the former chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish GP committee, who argues that NHS Tayside bears responsibility for the predicament.
The practice has operated from temporary facilities since 2020, after being displaced from its previous location. Dr. Buist contends that this lack of a permanent home has been a significant deterrent to attracting new GPs to the area. He has labeled the current situation “a disgrace” and emphasizes the health board’s long-standing awareness of the growing challenges facing primary care provision in the Carse of Gowrie. The absence of a dedicated, modern medical facility, he says, signals a failure of leadership within NHS Tayside. He highlighted that the NHS has been aware of this growing problem for close to a decade and labelled their inaction “a disgrace”. Community Meeting Addresses Concerns
A public meeting held recently in Errol Village Hall drew approximately 150 attendees, reflecting the community’s deep anxiety over the potential loss of their local GP service. Residents received letters from NHS Tayside earlier this month, warning of the practice’s scheduled closure in September. The meeting offered a platform for health officials to outline the range of options being considered, including dispersal of patients to practices in Perth and Dundee, continued efforts to recruit new GPs, and a potential takeover of the service by NHS Tayside. Calls for NHS Tayside to Take Direct Action
Dr. Buist urges NHS Tayside to take decisive action by establishing what’s known as a “2C surgery” in Errol. This model would see all staff, including general practitioners, employed directly by the health board. While acknowledging that this type of operation typically carries higher costs than a traditional contracted service, he stresses that guaranteeing continued GP access for Carse of Gowrie residents justifies the additional expense. Dr. Buist believes that NHS Tayside “owes it to the people” to ensure the continuation of local healthcare. Underfunding and Regional Closures
Dr. Buist further points to a pattern of recent practice closures across Tayside, including those in Bridge of Earn, Friockheim, Methven, and Invergowrie. He attributes these closures to persistent underfunding of general practice by both NHS Tayside and the Scottish Government. This wider context, he suggests, underscores the systemic issues contributing to the crisis in Errol.
In response to these concerns, NHS Tayside has referred back to a statement issued after the public meeting, declining to directly address Dr. Buist’s criticisms. Meanwhile, a Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized increased investment in general practice and plans to bolster GP numbers in Scotland. They also highlighted their commitment to direct a larger share of new NHS funding towards primary and community care to improve accessibility.
The residents of Errol and the surrounding area now face an anxious wait for a decision that will significantly impact their healthcare access. The future of the Errol Medical Practice remains uncertain, with local voices urging a swift and effective solution from NHS Tayside.
The practice has operated from temporary facilities since 2020, after being displaced from its previous location. Dr. Buist contends that this lack of a permanent home has been a significant deterrent to attracting new GPs to the area. He has labeled the current situation “a disgrace” and emphasizes the health board’s long-standing awareness of the growing challenges facing primary care provision in the Carse of Gowrie. The absence of a dedicated, modern medical facility, he says, signals a failure of leadership within NHS Tayside. He highlighted that the NHS has been aware of this growing problem for close to a decade and labelled their inaction “a disgrace”. Community Meeting Addresses Concerns
A public meeting held recently in Errol Village Hall drew approximately 150 attendees, reflecting the community’s deep anxiety over the potential loss of their local GP service. Residents received letters from NHS Tayside earlier this month, warning of the practice’s scheduled closure in September. The meeting offered a platform for health officials to outline the range of options being considered, including dispersal of patients to practices in Perth and Dundee, continued efforts to recruit new GPs, and a potential takeover of the service by NHS Tayside. Calls for NHS Tayside to Take Direct Action
Dr. Buist urges NHS Tayside to take decisive action by establishing what’s known as a “2C surgery” in Errol. This model would see all staff, including general practitioners, employed directly by the health board. While acknowledging that this type of operation typically carries higher costs than a traditional contracted service, he stresses that guaranteeing continued GP access for Carse of Gowrie residents justifies the additional expense. Dr. Buist believes that NHS Tayside “owes it to the people” to ensure the continuation of local healthcare. Underfunding and Regional Closures
Dr. Buist further points to a pattern of recent practice closures across Tayside, including those in Bridge of Earn, Friockheim, Methven, and Invergowrie. He attributes these closures to persistent underfunding of general practice by both NHS Tayside and the Scottish Government. This wider context, he suggests, underscores the systemic issues contributing to the crisis in Errol.
In response to these concerns, NHS Tayside has referred back to a statement issued after the public meeting, declining to directly address Dr. Buist’s criticisms. Meanwhile, a Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized increased investment in general practice and plans to bolster GP numbers in Scotland. They also highlighted their commitment to direct a larger share of new NHS funding towards primary and community care to improve accessibility.
The residents of Errol and the surrounding area now face an anxious wait for a decision that will significantly impact their healthcare access. The future of the Errol Medical Practice remains uncertain, with local voices urging a swift and effective solution from NHS Tayside.