Doomed GP surgery saved from closure

Local politicians have welcomed the news a Perthshire GP surgery has been saved from closure.

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

From September 15, Deuchar Williams Health will take over GP services at Carse Medical Practice.

Carse of Gowrie ward councillors and senior politicians are delighted patients will not have to move to medical practices in Perth or Dundee.

The news comes after the current GPs at Carse Medical Practice gave notice to NHS Tayside to terminate their General Medical Services (GMS) contract on Friday, September 12.

There were fears the termination of the contract would leave the Carse of Gowrie without a GP practice and 3,600 patients having to find a new surgery.

However on Friday, NHS Tayside announced a long-established Forth Valley GP training practice Deuchar Williams Health - comprising two married couples - will take over at the practice from Monday, September 15.

The new GPs will work alongside current staff members.

Announcing the news on Friday, NHS Tayside operational medical director for Primary Care, David Shaw said: "We are writing out to all patients. However, we know that the community wanted to know about the outcome for their practice as soon as we knew it.

"The contracting process has been concluded just today and therefore we wanted to let them know as soon as possible after that.

"It really is great news for the community as the new provider ensures there is continuity of care for current patients.

"Throughout this process, we have welcomed the opportunity to positively engage with both the local community and local elected members who have provided important feedback.