A Renfrewshire councillor is urging people not to miss out on having their say on the future of Langbank’s GP surgery.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist councillor James MacLaren is reminding people that a consultation on proposals to close the surgery closes on Friday 25th July.
Councillor MacLaren says that local patients need to voice their opposition as loudly as possible and in the greatest numbers to get health board bosses to listen.
He says any closure would be “devastating” for local patients in Langbank and undoubtedly put “incredible pressure” on the surgery at Kilmacolm which he claims ‘is already being stretched to its limits’.
Councillor MacLaren says the closure of the surgery would be a “hammer blow” to the local community who should always have access to healthcare services on their own doorstep.
He added that he is “deeply disappointed” at the refusal by SNP health secretary Neil Gray to intervene in this situation and provide the resources to keep Langbank’s surgery open.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist councillor James MacLaren said: “This is the last chance for people to stand up and say Langbank’s GP surgery must remain open.
“I am urging everyone locally to do that before the consultation closes next Friday so that health board bosses know the strength of feeling in the local community.
“This closure would be devastating for patients in Langbank and a hammer blow to the wider community.
“It would also put incredible pressure on the surgery at Kilmacolm who are already overwhelmed without having to take on more new patients.
“I am deeply disappointed by the refusal of SNP health secretary Neil Gray to step in and give the resources needed to keep a GP surgery open in Langbank. That sums up the SNP’s lack of forward planning which ultimately ends up meaning local GP surgeries are shutting their doors.
“I will continue fighting this every step of the way and hope the consultation receives even more responses over the next week from local patients and residents who will be greatly affected.”
NHSGGC as been contacted for comment.
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