Councillors express fears of the effects of overnight service withdrawal at Minor Injury Units
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Responding to the news that several north-east MIU overnight closurescould be in the works for Hunly, Fraserburgh and Peterhead, local councillors have expressed their concern over the effects on the local community.
Fraserburgh councillor James Adams said:“Patients in Fraserburgh have voiced concerns to me regarding the proposals to close Fraserburgh minor injury unit overnight as part of cost saving measures.
“Since Covid, there has been a reduction in the accessibility of MIUs but certainly not in attendance.
“MIUs like the Broch are essential for rural communities and it’s vital the medical cover they give isn’t downgraded.
“Not everyone has access to a car and public transport at that time of night to Aberdeen is virtually non-existent for residents.
“I’m concerned people will have to wait until the next day to seek medical treatment or even worse, they may not bother at all.
“Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is already full to the brim and the ambulance service is at breaking point which is why I fear this will add extra strain to the already oversubscribed workload.
“It’s imperative that clarification is given so patients aren’t left waiting at the front door and I urge the board to reconsider these plans for Fraserburgh.”.
Peterhead councillor Matthew James said: "Along with contacts from constituents and comments online, the overall feeling from the public is one of concern at the loss of services for Peterhead and the wider area.
"IJB papers and their proposed cuts have only just been made available, on seeing the proposals I have raised concerns directly with members of the Board.
"I have received confirmation that this cut refers only to the Minor Injury Unit and that the existing G-MED provision remains unaltered.
"Whilst I do understand the IJB faces severe budget pressures, I have urged members of the board to take seriously the concerns of communities affected by these overnight closures along with considering any additional strain on stretched NHS services.
"I would ask any concerned members of the public to make contact with board members or your local MP or MSP to raise your concerns.
Fellow councillor Anne Stirling (Turriff & District) Chair of the Aberdeenshire IJB, said: “The IJB will meet next Wednesday , to decide on its revenue budget for 2024/25 and like the majority of the public sector we have some real budgetary pressures and we will need to save nearly £26m.
"We will have to make some very difficult decisions about where we make those savings.
“Ceasing the overnight provision of the Minor Injury Service is a proposal which the IJB will discuss and come to a decision on.
“The one thing I would like to make clear is that the out of hours GP service (GMED) for those who are in urgent need of medical treatment but who cannot wait until their GP practice opens, will remain overnight and should be accessed by calling NHS24 on 111.
“Emergencies such as a serious injury or a suspected heart attack should always be seen urgently and people must call 999”
