A north-east chemist’s shop is taking NHS Grampian to court over its decision to allow a nearby surgery to continue giving out medication.
Tarves Pharmacy believes the health board was wrong to overturn its own decision to stop dispensing services at the Haddo Medical Group in Pitmedden.
The business will take its case to the Court of Session in Edinburgh next month.
Campaigners who lobbied NHS Grampian to retain services at the Pitmedden surgery have been asked to make written submissions and have until tomorrow to do so.
In December, the health board ruled that Haddo Medical Practice could continue to dispense medicine in the Pitmedden and Methlick areas, but not in Tarves where there was already a pharmacy. The decision was made after local residents and politicians argued that axing the service would cause serious difficulties for people accessing their medication.
Critics also said the lack of public transport in the area meant elderly residents in particular could struggle to travel to Pitmedden to see the doctor before going three miles for their prescription. It is understood Tarves Pharmacy will argue this should have been considered an inconvenience, rather than a serious difficulty, and that as there is adequate pharmaceutical care locally, NHS Grampian should not have continued the service. A spokesman said last night: “We are seeking a judicial review on the decision taken by NHS Grampian to allow the Haddo Medical Group to continue to dispense, contrary to an earlier decision taken by its own expert committee following an extensive review, and in our view, contrary to long-agreed regulations and requirements.
“It would not be appropriate to seek to prejudge the matter in any way by making specific comments.”
Brian McDougall, secretary of Udny Community Council – which was cited to make a submission, along with Tarves and Methlick community councils – said it made sense to have dispensing facilities attached to the GP surgery.
He said: “From a community point of view, if you can pick up your prescription from the same place you go to the doctors, that’s ideal.
“I think NHS Grampian has done everything in their powers to be as fair as possible.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: “We will be defending our position.”