A north-east community campaigning to secure the future of its GP dispensing service has won the backing of two local politicians.
NHS Grampian last week launched a consultation on the dispensing arrangements at its Rhynie, Gardenstown, Udny Station, Skene, Portlethen, and Auchenblae practices.
Now residents of Udny Station have objected to the proposals, arguing it would force them to travel six miles to Tarves to pick up their medicine from the nearest pharmacy.
And last night, north-east MSPs claimed the proposals failed rural communities in Aberdeenshire.
Under the current arrangements, patients in the affected areas visiting their GP can collect prescribed medicines at their local practice.
But if the changes are brought in, patients will be forced to get their prescriptions filled elsewhere.
William Grant, chairman of Foveran Community Council, which represents Udny Station, said many people could be left stranded if forced to bus to Tarves to pick up prescriptions.
He added: “The buses into Tarves, which is the nearest pharmacy, I believe a lot of them turn around in Tarves. Someone going up for a prescription would be unlikely to get a bus back. So Tarves is just not really an option for them.
“And you might not be fit to drive for various reasons even though you have a driving licence. The whole village, as you can understand, is against what the health board is proposing.”
Conservative north-east MSP, Peter Chapman, said he was writing to NHS Grampian’s chief executive, Malcolm Wright, on the issue.
He added: “It is clear there is strong local feeling here in Udny Station that residents want to retain the dispensing service at the GP practice.
“The alternatives would cause people considerable difficulty. The nearest pharmacy is six miles away, and for those without access to a car, the bus service is inadequate.”
Gillian Martin, SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East said the dispensing service in the village was “much needed and well used”.
She added: “Rural communities need services like this, and I’ll do what I can to support the Udny Station patients who very much value their local surgery and the key services they provide.
“Any erosion of a rural service like this is of great concern to me and the local residents. Those without the ability or means to drive would be severely disadvantaged, and in most cases this means those who are most vulnerable.”
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “Patients who are affected by dispensing GPs will be involved and they will have the opportunity to have their say, the public involvement team are around all of that and patients will receive information on the consultations when needed.”
