Calls for NHS Tayside to explain why patients found out of closure online

The Health Secretary's urging NHS Tayside to explain why many patients found out Bridge of Earn's GP surgery was to close via Facebook.

The Perthshire practice will shut its doors next week after the health board failed to replace two doctors who're leaving.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said it's not fair to find out that way.

"It's very regrettable if people did not receive that information directly first and I'm sure NHS Tayside will want to explain that and give people assurances," she said.

"I understand that this will be a time of considerable worry for patients."

3,500 patients are registered at the practice, with many of them finding out via a photo of a notice on the surgery's front door

Evonne Boyd was one of them. "I don't think there's any need to find out on Facebook after being a patient for 16 years."

"We're really concerned about the capacity, where do we go."

Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Liz Smith is shocked by the handling.

"This situation is nothing short of a disgrace, not just that the surgery is closing but the complete lack of transparency and communication with patients about the decision making process," she said.

Greens MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell agrees it's been dealth with poorly.

"The communication with the community has been very poorly managed, people have been left in a vaccum."

An NHS Tayside spokesperson said : “Although we recognise that this will be disappointing to patients, this is the safest and most sustainable response to the current circumstances.

"Patients of the Bridge of Earn practice will be receiving letters which detail where their new GP practice is and further information about the transfer.

"All patients will have a GP practice from Monday, September 2."