No end in sight for Culloden GP ‘crisis’ as politicians slam ‘delays’ but Scottish Government funding freeze means NHS Highland cannot invest in a new site
Liberal Democrat politicians have raised “serious concerns over the delays” in finding a solution to two Culloden GP surgeries still being closed to new patients but NHS says its hands are tied.
Culloden Medical Practice and Culloden Surgery both issued closure notices indicating that they will not be registering new patients from August 1 last for a period of one year.
Now MP Angus MacDonald and Highland councillor Trish Robertson have called on the health board to provide clear updates on the long-term plan for constructing a permanent facility within five years.
But despite a site at Stratton being identified the NHS cannot develop it because the Scottish Government has frozen all capital investment across the country in healthcare facilities.
There are one or two notable exceptions such as the new Belford Hospital in Fort William but the Lib Dems insist that as plans have stalled some residents without access to GPs and that it is “critical” to address the ongoing “registration crisis”.
‘Delay is completely unacceptable’
In a letter to NHS Highland Chief Executive Fiona Davies, Mr MacDonald called for urgent action to progress the installation of additional consulting rooms in demountable units as a temporary measure to alleviate pressures on the practice.
“This delay is completely unacceptable,” Mr MacDonald said. “Residents are struggling to access the healthcare they need, and the closure of the practices’ lists has only compounded this issue.
“NHS Highland must act swiftly to ensure this project moves forward. Councillor Robertson has worked tirelessly to find practical solutions. Her expertise and dedication should not be sidelined.
“The people of Culloden and the surrounding areas deserve better.
“This issue is about ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare they need and deserve, now and in the future. NHS Highland must collaborate with all stakeholders to deliver this project without further delay.”
Councillor Trish Robertson has actively identified solutions, including using temporary demountable units to expand the practice amid the growing population in Culloden due to new housing developments.
She said: “We need collaboration and urgency to address this healthcare crisis. His actions have delayed progress and undermined the voices of local representatives working directly with NHS Highland to find solutions.”
With the population in Culloden set to grow due to new housing developments, the lack of access to primary care is expected to worsen without decisive action.
‘No suitable options within the vicinity of the current GP’
Far from sidelining Cllr Robertson, a spokeswoman for NHS Highland said that solutions have been presented to the practices “including several modular options to the practices although no agreement has been reached”.
She said: “NHS Highland received list closure notices from Culloden Medical Practice and Culloden Surgery and agreed both practices will not be registering new patients from Thursday, 1 August 2024 for a period of one year.
“The practices have highlighted concerns about their increasing list size for a number of years, and this has been accelerated by the high volume of new homes being built in the area.
“Discussions between NHS Highland and the practices have continued to explore expanding the size of their premises, including the option of adding modular buildings to their current site following a visit to the Culloden Academy campus.
“NHS Highland have presented several modular options to the practices although no agreement has been reached on a suitable configuration with alternatives being drafted.
“We have also considered the lease of alternative accommodation, with no suitable options within the vicinity of the current GP owned premises.
“The pause of capital spending across NHS Scotland remains in place. The Scottish Government allocated funding for further development of the business cases for the Belford Hospital but no other premises work can progress at this time.
“Although a site at Stratton for healthcare premises has been assigned, this would form the basis of longer-term plans and be dependent on capital allocation and approval to proceed.
“The group working on solutions have been in dialogue and supported by elected representatives.
“Local people who are not registered with either practice and require access to General Practice Services can find details on the NHS Highland website of other practices open to new registrations.
“The website also has details of how to request registration support.
“We recognise this is a difficult situation and we are committed to working closely with the practices to identify solutions which best meet their needs and the needs of the local community”.
