Turriff residents 'live in fear' due to poor healthcare facilities
A public meeting regarding the issue saw a turnout of more than 150
More than 150 people attended a public meeting to express their anger and fear over healthcare services in Turriff.
The town has had limited GP and ambulance services, with some residents saying that it made them feel "scared".
David Duguid, MP for Banff and Buchan, organised the meeting at the Baden Powell Centre in the Aberdeenshire town.
The town saw its minor injuries unit (MIU) partially re-opened after the pandemic, however in order to make an appointment, residents need to first phone NHS24.
And even after phoning 111, there's no guarantee that an appointment will be in Turriff.
Mr Duguid said, "It’s clear that there has been a steady erosion of proper healthcare services and residents are right to voice their concerns about this extremely worrying situation.
“Throughout the meeting, people spoke of their anguish at being on the phone for hours and hours with no response while others have been told to go to Huntly, Fraserburgh and Peterhead to be seen.
“People were admitting in public that they live in fear because of this which is why it’s crucial we get facilities such as Turriff’s MIU back to full capacity.
"It was disappointing Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, the ambulance service and health centre didn’t attend despite being given the opportunity to engage with residents.
“However, I’m going to collate the concerns that were raised and bring them forward to the organisations involved and I know they will want to respond to the constructive feedback from the public.
“My intention remains, as before this meeting, to facilitate a constructive dialogue with health service providers to help rebuild the service expected by the people of Turriff and across Banff and Buchan.”
A statement given to Mr Duguid by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership ahead of the meeting said: “The minor injury service across Aberdeenshire is in the process of re-mobilising. We are currently focussing on ensuring that the staff at each unit have the required training and experience to deliver the service.
“The minor injury service, in line with the national move to schedule urgent care appointments, must now be accessed by calling NHS 24 on 111.
“Following assessment, appointments, where required, will be allocated at the nearest available unit.”