MacLaren “hugely disappointed” as Langbank GP surgery looks set to close

Councillor James MacLaren has expressed that he is “deeply disappointed” after learning that Langbank’s GP surgery looks set to close.

The Scottish Conservative councillor says he has been informed that senior management at Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has approved the closure request. The matter is due to go before the Integration Joint Board (IJB) on Monday, 8th September.

Councillor MacLaren has criticised the process, arguing that it is not right for Inverclyde’s IJB to decide on the issue when Langbank is in Renfrewshire.

He described the move as “shocking,” saying that local voices have been ignored and warning of serious consequences for patients. He believes the closure will particularly affect elderly and vulnerable residents and place additional strain on neighbouring GP practices, including in Kilmacolm.

Councillor MacLaren said: “I am deeply disappointed that it looks as though the decision has all but been agreed to cut Langbank’s GP surgery.

“I have fought this every step of the way and it is shocking that local voices and opinions look to have been ignored ahead of this meeting next week.

“Langbank needs and deserves to have a GP surgery in the community. If it shuts its doors for good this will have a devastating impact on many patients, especially the vulnerable and elderly.”

MacLaren added: “It will also put huge pressure on surgeries elsewhere like Kilmacolm which are already buckling under the strain of SNP cuts.

“I wrote to the SNP health secretary but he passed the buck. It’s not too late for Neil Gray and those on the IJB next week to do the right thing and save this surgery.”

An Inverclyde HSCP spokesperson said the decision to approve the closure was not taken lightly and followed “an extensive and rigorous consultation process directly with patients and other stakeholders.”

They added: “While we don’t want to see any practices closing, we understand the challenges faced by the practice and why they have had to make the difficult decision to close the Langbank branch and consolidate under the main Kilmacolm premises.

“The practice intends to continue to provide care to patients from their main Kilmacolm site, but patients will have the option to transfer to another GP practice at nearby Port Glasgow Health Centre.

“We’re supporting the practice and patients to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Headline Photo: Cllr MacLaren