The Moray Integration Joint Board (MIJB) has today welcomed the publication of an independent report on the closure of the Hopeman and Burghead branch surgeries.
The external review into the actions of the MIJB and Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) concluded that the partnership followed a thorough process of engagement and consultation which exceeded regulatory requirements and that a โclear and transparentโ decision-making process was followed by the MIJB.
The independent scrutiny of the engagement, consultation and decision-making process was commissioned by the Scottish Government and conducted on its behalf by Evan Beswick from Argyll & Bute Health & Social Care Partnership in light of concerns raised by members of the impacted communities.
In his report, Mr Beswick said: โHaving considered both the clear process, rigorous documentation and the rationale as described by HSCM representatives, and noting the best-practice approach of consultation with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, I find that a rigorous engagement and decision making process has been adhered to.
โIndeed, HSCM Moray have gone beyond the minimal requirements of the regulations. This is supported by clear and transparent decision making through MIJB.โ
The report went on to highlight the complex challenges facing rural healthcare provision and the sustainability of general practice nationally.
Moray Coast Medical Practice experienced ongoing challenges in maintaining services across its three premises in Lossiemouth, Hopeman and Burghead. To maintain safe and effective care to all its patients and support its future sustainability, the practice took the difficult decision to close the Burghead and Hopeman branch surgeries. This was supported by HSCM.
Councillor Tracy Colyer,ย Chair of the Moray IJB, said: โThe Board endorsed the practiceโs decision not to return to the branch surgeries only after extensive engagement and consultation, and consideration of all the information presented on ways to mitigate the impact on patients.
โWe welcome publication of this independent report and the confirmation of what we have maintained throughout this process – that our decision-making was fair, transparent and followed all appropriate procedures.
Mr Beswick met with campaigners from the Save our Surgeries group during the review and acknowledged they continue to be aggrieved by the consultation process which they felt supported a predetermined outcome.
Cllr Colyer added: โWe thank all those who participated in the review process and hope publication of this independent report will allow us to draw a line under this so we can continue to engage constructively with our communities and work together to improve service delivery.โ
Mr Beswick made a number of recommendations in his report. These are:
- Collaborateย with the Scottish Government in the recommendation that they to review and update regulations on branch surgery closures.
- Continueย to engage with community members on future healthcare provision.
- Exploreย innovative models for rural healthcare delivery.
โThese will be considered by the MIJB at its September meeting.
The review is published on the Scottish Government website here.
