Local MP & MSP Urge Maintenance of Dispensed Medicines in Gamrie

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford were in Gardenstown this morning as part of their campaign to retain a dispensary facility for prescriptions in the village.

The MP and MSP were presenting their case to a panel appointed by NHS Grampian which was taking evidence for individuals and community groups in the village.

NHS Grampian has been consulting with the patients of six GP practices who currently get, or who are eligible to get, dispensed medicines from their GP practice. A Review Group will be analysing all the responses to the consultation and will make recommendations to the Board of NHS Grampian.

Speaking afterwards, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The key issue here is one of transport, distance and the difficulties that presents. I believe a strong case has been made for retention of this service and today was a very important part of the process of ensuring that people in Gardenstown continue to have access to their prescription medicines locally.”

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford said:

“I made the point to the panel that for health officials sitting in Foresterhill, this would be the equivalent of them having to go to somewhere like Portlethen to get a prescription – the difference being that there is a bus every 15 minutes or so to Portlethen.

“This is a very important local service and I hope that, working with the community, this facility can be retained.”