Rhynie residents to get daily GP access as Huntly practice takes helm
Huntly’s GP practice is set to take over the surgery down the road in Rhynie.
The move by Bydand Medical Group means that, from September onwards, villagers in Rhynie will once again have access to a GP every day from Monday to Friday.
A joint statement from the GPs at Byland said: “We are very excited about this takeover and feel it will greatly improve the level of care provided to the practice population.
“We are in the early stages of planning exactly how the practice will operate. However, we plan to have a GP present at the Rhynie surgery every weekday from 8am to 6pm.
“We believe at present, there are days when no GP is on site so this will certainly be of increased benefit to patents.
“Patients will also have the option of being seen at either branch which will hopefully improve access to face-to-face appointments.
“We plan to introduce the same triage system to Rhynie as we operate in Huntly. This will enable us to ensure patients are assessed in a timely manner and by the most appropriate clinician.”
Bydand has acquired the surgery in Rhynie from Inverurie Medical Practice.
The statement from the GPs continued: “All patients will receive a call back on the day they contact us and will either be dealt with there and then on the phone or booked into an appropriate face to face appointment for further assessment.
“We have recruited additional staff to deal with the increased practice list so envisage we will be able to maintain the high level of service we offer our current patients.
Any changes will be communicated to patients in due course either by text or written letter.”
Alexander Burnett, the Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, conveyed his acquisition for the takeover.
He said: “At a time when rural patients face significant challenges in accessing GPs compared with people living elsewhere, I welcome the assurances by Bydand Medical Group that improvements will be made at Rhynie Surgery when it takes over.
“It is particularly pleasing to hear Rhynie Surgery will now have a GP on hand every day to treat patients, which I hope will cut lengthy waiting times and difficulties accessing appointments.”
