Adobe StockAn expansion of walk-in health centres in the north east of Scotland has been branded an “embarrassment”, amid criticisms of the service’s “joke” opening hours.
NHS Grampian will open services in Inverurie and Elgin, following the health board’s first walk-in centre at Aberdeen Health Village in June.
The health board says the plan is a “test of change” with each site only opening one day per week for just four hours, operating from 1pm until 5pm.
The Inverurie centre will open on Tuesday, November 10, and the Elgin centre will open on Friday, November 13.
Dr Shanti West, clinical lead for NHS Grampian’s walk-in service, said: “We’re pleased to be extending the GP walk-in service to Inverurie and Elgin, giving people in Aberdeenshire and Moray another option for new or recent health problems that need prompt attention.
“We’re introducing the service on a phased basis, initially opening one afternoon a week at each location. This will allow us to operate safely, understand local demand and learn from the experience of patients using the service.
“This is a test of change and we will use activity levels, patient feedback and workforce availability to inform how the service develops.
“Our aim is to improve access to urgent and unscheduled care and help people get the right care, in the right place.”
Short opening hours ‘a joke’, says MP
However, the plans have been criticised by local MP Harriet Cross, who branded the short opening hours an “embarrassment”.
She said: “The announcement that Inverurie walk-in centre will only open on one afternoon each week is a total joke and quite frankly, an embarrassment.
“Even worse, NHS Grampian says there is no guarantee it will even be able to open for the four hours per week.
“It’s completely pointless and proves no plan has ever been in place by the Scottish Government on how walk-in centres like Inverurie would be staffed.
“This is a slap in the face to our rural communities who deserve a health service that functions properly.
“John Swinney has been repeatedly warned by doctors and nurses that this poorly thought-out election gimmick would not work, nor would it end the 8am scramble for appointments.
“What is actually needed is a properly funded plan to support our GPs and reduce waiting times in our local GP surgeries rather than opening more of these walk-in centres.”
Moray MSP Tim Eagle added: “This announcement is absolutely farcical and a mockery to rural healthcare in Moray.”
NHS Grampian says the phased approach will help establish a sustainable operating model.
However the health board said if minimum staffing is unavailable at one of the sites, the service will be unable to open.
What is the Scottish Government’s response?
The Scottish Government is spearheading the walk-in clinic scheme and said the aim for both the Inverurie and Elgin services will be for them to be available seven days a week.
A government spokesperson said: “NHS Grampian is responsible for the delivery of this service and is opening initially on a phased basis to ensure patient safety and whilst it recruits additional staff.
“We recognise this step has been taken to begin providing more care quickly to local people, before a fuller service is provided.
“We have been clear to NHS boards that services are to rollout to seven days as soon as possible, including in Elgin and Inverurie.”
The government noted that since opening in June, the Aberdeen clinic has seen around 2,100 patients so far.
What can walk-in clinics help with?
Here is what the clinic can treat:
- New minor illnesses or infections
- Health problems that have started recently
- Mild to moderate symptoms that need prompt attention
- Health problems that can usually be treated in one visit
- Minor concerns that do not require hospital tests, scans or specialist care
Here is what clinics cannot help with:
- Chest pain, breathing difficulties or signs of a stroke.
- Serious injuries or emergencies.
- Broken bones, burns or severe wounds.
- Repeat prescriptions or medication reviews.
- Sick notes, forms or other paperwork.
- Long-term or ongoing health conditions.
- Dressings or wound checks.
- Dental conditions.
- Drug-dependency prescribing.
Patients have been asked to ensure they arrive 45 minutes before the walk-in clinics close.
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