Health bosses have announced emergency measures for patients in the Carse of Gowrie area, after plans for a stop-gap GP surgery were shelved.
The Carse Medical Practice last month decided to withdraw proposals for a temporary base on the edge of Errol, following concerns about road safety.
The current doctors’ surgery in the town, which has been on the market since last year, needs to be vacated before the end of the month.
Now, the surgery team has announced details of a temporary move to nearby St Madoes, even thought it was deemed unfit for purpose by NHS Tayside.
A spokesman for the practice said: “The GPs are determined to find a solution to allow them to maintain their service without interruption or unnecessary detriment to their patient’s care.
“It is with this in mind that the decision has been made to relocate the whole service to St Madoes from Monday, April 23 until further notice. This option will provide an emergency solution for the coming months only.”
He added: “The GPs remain committed to continuing to deliver high quality medical services to the local population. Over the last few years they have been working very closely with NHS Tayside and the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership to secure alternative premises on a variety of land options or through conversion of existing buildings. All have been unsuccessful for one reason or another.”
The doctors, along with developers Morris Leslie Ltd, hope to submit a new application for temporary premises on an alternative site. They believe their latest plan will address road safety issues.
The practice spokesman added: “The relocation of GP services to St Madoes is only sustainable for a short period to allow the GPs to make this new application. Unfortunately if this application is unsuccessful it is unlikely that the GPs would be able to continue delivering the current service.”
Local Conservative councillor Angus Forbes said: “I am delighted that the doctors in the Carse are committed to finding a solution to their accommodation problems, whilst a move to St Madoes for the entire practice on a temporary basis is not ideal, its really the only viable option for the next few months.
“I am delighted that a new planning application will shortly be made for a temporary surgery within The Carse and I am hopeful it will progress quickly so that the high standard of patient care we are used to here can be maintained .”
