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MP raises concerns about lack of vaccination centre in Turriff


By Kirsty Brown

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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has shared concerns about a lack of Covid vaccinations due to be carried out in Turriff.

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid..
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid..

The concerns came as it was revealed that Turriff did not make the list of vaccination centres in Aberdeenshire, meaning locals will be forced to travel to receive the vaccination.

He has also heard from constituents who have been asked to transport residents from sheltered housing in the town to other locations in the county to receive their vaccination.

This follows growing anxiety in the town about a delay in vaccinating some of the most at-risk residents.

MP David Duguid said: "While I am pleased that the public can now see a list of vaccination centres across Aberdeenshire, I am concerned that Turriff has missed out again.

"Given the size of the population of the town and surrounding area, I find it hard to fathom why there is not a vaccination centre in Turriff.

"There are certainly venues that I can think of that would be suitable.

"I have raised this with NHS Grampian since the closure of Turriff Hospital was announced.

"This is a big community and it doesn't make sense, particularly for older people, to have to travel to Macduff, Inverurie or Huntly."

Turriff Sports Centre will be used for the over 80s vaccinations
Turriff Sports Centre will be used for the over 80s vaccinations

Addressing the concerns being raised a spokesperson for AHSCP said: “Like all Aberdeenshire residents those living in Sheltered Housing will be vaccinated in line with the guidance issued by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

“Vaccinations for those over 80 in the Turriff area are being carried out at the Turriff Sports Centre and vaccinations for those under 80 will begin soon in Macduff.

"Turriff residents who are housebound will be vaccinated at home and for those who have mobility issues or for whom public transport is not suitable we are looking at the provision of a mobile vaccination unit”

“Appointment letters for the 75-79 cohort will begin to arrive in the next few days and will include information on help with transportation to and from appointments as well as a local phone number for people to call if they cannot attend their appointment”


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