Campaigners involved in a fight to protect a community health centre have vowed to picket a NHS Tayside board meeting.
Members of the Invest in Lochee Health Centre Campaign intend to lobby health board bosses when they meet at Dundee’s Kings Cross Hospital on August 25.
The group has been involved in protracted efforts to revitalise the stuttering facility which presently has been struggling for GP cover.
Last week, Dr Michelle Watts, associate director for primary care at NHS Tayside, vowed the facility will be turned into an “exemplar” service.
Dr Watts claimed a three-year plan was in place for the centre.
Though campaigners welcome the news, they are not planning to down tools any time soon.
Leah Ganley, the group’s spokesperson explained: “After months of campaigning following the reduction in GP provision at Lochee Health Centre (LHC) to a single doctor earlier this year, we are pleased some of our core demands are now being addressed.
“NHS Tayside management are reported to be saying that LHC will not be closed under any circumstances. This is a step forward and addresses one of our three core demands.
“We have also called for three GPs to be based at Lochee permanently to allow residents to gain access to appointments when needed. Some steps forward have been made on this but it’s still unclear what the permanent GP provision will be from now under these new plans.
“We will be seeking some answers on this central point and we have sent an invitation to Joe Fitzpatrick MSP to attend our public meeting on Wednesday August 17 at 7pm where we hope to hear first hand on what is planned for LHC.
“The steps forward gained for Lochee’s health provision thus far are due to the commitment and determination of local people and campaigners.
“Petitioning, public meetings, lobbies and political pressure make a real difference. We refused to allow the issues affecting LHC to be ignored and it shows what ordinary people can do when we get organised and demand action.”
Professor Andrew Russell, medical director for NHS Tayside, said: “NHS Tayside continues to invest in Lochee Health Centre to secure sustainable service provision for the future.
“Since NHS Tayside took over Lochee Health Centre in March, we have recruited three GPs and our recruitment drive is continuing.
“Regular locum GPs are also working alongside the extended multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to ensure that the local community benefits from effective, patient-centred care.
“We are in the process of setting up a patient participation group at the practice to engage and work with patients to help shape care services and would encourage members of the Lochee community to get involved.”
