Six communities across Aberdeenshire could lose out on a vital medical service because they are too far away from pharmacies.
At a meeting of the NHS Grampian health board yesterday, members considered reviewing dispensing services to Portlethen, Skene, Rhynie, Gardenstown, Udny Station and Auchenblae.
Under the current scheme, patients visiting their GPs in these areas can collect prescribed medicines directly from the GP’s practice.
However if the NHS Grampian health board – following a review period – decides that any of the six communities do not require the service, the manner in which patients receive their prescribed medicines could be changed completely.
And, if that happens, some residents could be forced to travel great distances to their nearest pharmacy.
Tomintoul, Glenlivet and Strathdon have not been identified for any alterations because they lie 11 miles or further away from their nearest pharmacies, and are poorly served by public transport.
Mid-Formartine councillor Paul Johnston said the potential for changes to prescription services in Udny Station worried him greatly.
He added: “This was entirely expected on the basis of the bizarre decision of NHS Grampian over the dispensing at Haddo Medical Group.
“If the size of a settlement is sufficiently large enough to warrant a pharmacy, then there should be one.
“However, if the settlement is not large enough, such as Udny Station, prescriptions should be dispensed from practices in order to provide seamless healthcare.”
Primary care access in Gardenstown was dealt a blow last September when its medical practice was shut down, but the community currently benefits from a prescription collection scheme.
North-east MSP Peter Chapman said: “I welcome the decision to continue dispensing from practices in Strathdon, Glenlivet, Rhynie and Tomintoul – many patients would find it too difficult to access these services otherwise.
“With regard to the remaining six practices, it is vital local people are able to make their views known during the public consultation process.
“These services are vital in rural areas and I know from experience that the loss of the collection service at Gardenstown would be a real blow for the local community there.”
The NHS Grampian board will consider the issue following consultation at its next meeting.