Chronic pain sufferers in Moray have lashed out at health chiefs after plans to establish a specialist clinic in the area stalled.
Campaigners petitioned NHS Grampian to base a pain treatment centre at Elgin’s Dr Gray’s Hospital throughout last year, and were assured that the facility would open this month.
They say the local clinic would spare them agonising journeys to Aberdeen for treatment.
But yesterday it emerged the plans had been set back until March.
Chris Bridgeford, who is blighted by constant pain every day, led calls for a clinic to return to Moray since the area lost its
specialised service in 2011.
He voiced fears that the scheme could now be subject to further postponements.
Mr Bridgeford said: “I am very disappointed that there has been yet another delay.
“We were initially told that the service would be re-instated in December – which was then moved to February.
“I hope this is the final delay, but my group will be very concerned that we may experience a further setback when March has come and gone.”
NHS bosses blamed the “slight delay” on being unable to secure clinic space at the Elgin hospital, and said they were working on confirming a start date next month.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has championed the campaign to return the clinic to Moray.
Yesterday he urged health bosses to ensure the project did not stall any further.
Mr Lochhead said: “Clearly any delay is far from ideal, and is undoubtedly disappointing.
“However, I think at this stage the main focus should be on getting the clinic open as soon as possible and to avoid any further delays.
“Patients have waited a long time to get to this stage and I will continue to keep a close interest in developments and have asked NHS Grampian to keep me up to date with progress.”