A decision to close Aberdeenshire’s three minor injury units (MIUs) during the night may go back to the drawing board when a six-month review is presented at the end of this month.
In a response to Alexander Burnett MSP, Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSP) has revealed a report into the impacts of the overnight closures at Huntly, Fraserburgh and Peterhead will be presented to bosses on Monday, March 24.
The paper, which has gathered data throughout the six months since the closure was implemented, will look at the effect it has had on ARI and Dr Gray’s, and the resulting pressure on the Scottish Ambulance Service and GMED services.
It will first be shown to Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s chief officer, Pam Milliken, and her senior team, before any “significant concerns” will be passed to the Integration Joint Board for consideration.
A recent AHSCP survey found more than 90% of residents believed the overnight closure would impact their families, while more than 1,000 people had concerns about the increased distance to access treatment during out of hours.
These comments included fears about the lack of public transport and travel costs, particularly for those who don’t drive or own a vehicle.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “Closing Aberdeenshire’s minor injury units overnight was the wrong decision and I hope this report will back what I’m hearing from my constituents.
“I have been told of countless cases where people have had no option other than to travel more than 40 miles to Aberdeen with injuries, while some have been left in the terrifying situation of not being able to access transport at all.
“While I understand this decision was the tragic consequence of substantial fundings cuts inflicted by the SNP government on NHS Grampian, I believe these closures should be reversed to protect our rural communities.
“I fully expect the report to conclude that the closures have had an overwhelmingly negative impact on local healthcare, placing additional strain on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray’s, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and GMED services.
“That is why I hope the IJB will reconsider these deeply damaging closures.”
In a response to Mr Burnett, AHSP chief officer Pamela Milliken said: “Our team continues to monitor any potential impacts as a result of the overnight closure and a report is due to be presented to the chief officer and the senior team on Monday, March 24.
“Should that report highlight any significant concerns we will, naturally, highlight them to the chair and vice chair of the IJB.”
