An MSP has warned health bosses not to merge out-of-hours GP services in Aberdeenshire amid fears they will be centralised to Aberdeen when proposals are set out at the start of next year.
In a letter to Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett, the health and social care partnership has revealed plans to centralise the Grampian Medical Emergency Department (GMED) service will be made public at the beginning of 2025.
As part of the review, it is considering merging the GMED bases in Fraserburgh, Huntly and Peterhead.
It follows a decision earlier this year to close overnight minor injuries units (MIUs) in the three towns.
Dr Graham Strachan, medical director of Peterhead Hospital, said the potential loss of GMED services across Aberdeenshire are “highly dangerous and will result in excess fatalities”.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “I’m hugely concerned by the plans to centralise Aberdeenshire’s GMED services, with the prospect of them being moved to Aberdeen.
“If this goes ahead, lives will be put at risk and patients will be left living in fear if a medical matter arises overnight, with many being forced to wait until the morning to be seen or in some cases, not bother at all.
“Not only is it not practical for patients and their families to travel more than 30 miles for out of hours care, but merging services will ultimately put more pressure on the Scottish Ambulance Service and emergency department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary which are both already at breaking point.
“GMED services provide a lifeline service to people, especially for those living in rural areas, but these proposals are also a tragic consequence of the savage cuts inflicted by the SNP government on NHS Grampian.
“I, like residents, was furious with the absence of any consultation to close the three MIUs overnight which is why I will do everything I can to ensure NHS Grampian properly consults with the public so their voices can be heard on the future of the GMED services.”
In her letter responding to Mr Burnett’s concerns, interim chief officer, Judith Proctor, said: “The service is looking at enhancing efficiency and quality through streamlining processes and optimising resource allocation to deliver efficient, person-centred and financially viable service delivery model of urgent out of hours primary care service through innovative approaches or restructured workflows.
“The scope of the review includes evaluation of all GMED locations and proposing an optimal workforce distribution. The review is not limited to the three locations listed in your letter as the service is delivered on a pan-Grampian level and holistic approach is applied to the assessment of service structure and to shape and put recommendations forward.
“The proposals will be made at the beginning of 2025.”
