NHS Tayside
GP services – public holidays
GPs in Tayside will be closed on Monday 1st and Monday 8th May.
Find out more ➡️ rightcaretayside.scot.nhs.uk
GP services on Monday
Most GP surgeries in Tayside will be closed on Monday 10th April. Please check your practice’s opening times.
Make sure you get the right care in the right place this Easter.
Find out more ➡️ rightcaretayside.scot.nhs.uk
GP services over the Easter holiday
From NHS Tayside :
Most GPs in Tayside will be closed on Monday 3rd April.
Please ensure you have enough of your regular medication before the public holiday and only order what you need.
Invergowrie Medical Practice update
A number of residents have contacted us about the unfortunate possible closure of the Invergowrie Medical Practice from 16th June.
Although this is situated across the boundary with Perth and Kinross, of its 1891 patients, 343 are in Dundee and of these 108 live in the West End.
The current position is that a group of representatives from NHS Tayside and the Perth and Kinross and Dundee health and social care partnerships has been established and it will consider five possible options :
- Invitation to submit a business case for another GP Practice to take over the practice contract
- Merge with another independent practice
- Merge with one of the two Dundee practices already operated directly by NHS Tayside
- Operate the practice directly by NHS Tayside
- Close the practice and disperse patients across other practices in surrounding areas
The outcome of the options appraisal will subsequently go before the Perth and Kinross and Dundee health and social care partnerships in due course and a final decision will then be made by NHS Tayside.
We are pleased to speak with any West End resident about the situation.
Ryehill Health Centre – latest update #dundeewestend
Further to our earlier updates about the impending closure of GP services from the Ryehill Health Centre, residents have contacted up to ask why letters – promised by NHS Tayside by the end of May – advising patients of which practice they are being transferred to from 1st July, have yet to arrive.
We queried this with the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and have been advised by the Senior Manager Service Development and Primary Care as follows :
“As you have noted the impact of the Friockheim closure on the 31st May has slightly delayed finalising information for Ryehill patients, for which we apologise.
The team is in the final stages of this and I now hope to have this complete and letters posted very soon.
I will update you when I know when this is.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader raises Ryehill Health Centre with Cabinet Secretary for Health #dundeewestend
As recently reported in the Courier (see below), the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has intervened in the Ryehill Health Centre concerns by raising the issue with Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
Alex said :
“I have raised the concerns over Ryehill Health Centre with the health secretary at the request of West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson who has already asked NHS Tayside to consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients having to be disbursed to other GP practices.
“The impact of having to absorb 5400 patients into other local GP practices would be very significant, adding to pressure in these other practices but also meaning that all the Ryehill patients will have to be found new GPs – a huge task.
“It would make a lot of sense for the health board to take over the direct running of Ryehill and I have asked the health secretary to step in to ensure that NHS Tayside taking over the direct running of the health centre is firmly on the table.”
I had already written to Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of Tayside Health Board, and Grant Archibald, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside seeking clarification of the Health Board’s commitment to the 5400 Dundee patients affected by the proposed closure of the Ryehill Health Centre and saying it should do all it can to keep the practice open.
NHS Tayside needs to be much clearer as to how it will support the patients at Ryehill and I have asked for assurances that the Health Board has discussed all the options and will consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients disbursed to other GP practices.
NHS Tayside and the Health and Social Care Partnership have to be clear as to how it is tackling the Ryehill medical practice’s decision to relinquish its contract with the Health Board and supporting the thousands of patients involved to have access to GP services locally.
I cannot accept that, after so many years of service to the community, the approach of the Health Board is to simply accept it closes. It must look at the option of running the practice itself to keep it open. NHS Tayside already directly runs four GP practices across Tayside including the Maryfield Health Centre. If it can be done there, it can be done at Ryehill Health Centre.
I am very pleased that Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has now raised this with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care as we need assurances from ministers and from the health board that the proposal to save Ryehill Health Centre through direct NHS Tayside management will be actively considered by the Health Board.
It strikes me as infinitely preferable that the health board keeps the practice open under NHS Tayside management than closes it which would mean thousands of people having to be found a new GP. Adding 5400 people across the other GP practices in Dundee will simply add to the pressure on these practices and the quality of service and I don’t see that as in any way the best outcome.
Ryehill Health Centre – an update #dundeewestend
I have written to Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of Tayside Health Board, and Grant Archibald, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside seeking clarification of the Health Board’s commitment to the 5 400 Dundee patients affected by the proposed closure of the Ryehill Health Centre and saying it should do all it can to keep the practice open.
NHS Tayside needs to be much clearer as to how it will support the patients at Ryehill and he has asked for assurances that the Health Board has discussed all the options and will consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients disbursed to other GP practices.
The Health Board and the Health and Social Care Partnership have to be clear as to how it is tackling the Ryehill medical practice’s decision to relinquish its contract with the Health Board and supporting the thousands of patients involved to have access to GP services locally.
I cannot accept that, after so many years of service to the community, the approach of the Health Board is to simply accept it closes. It must look at the option of running the practice itself to keep it open. NHS Tayside already directly runs four GP practices across Tayside including the Maryfield Health Centre. If it can be done there, it can be done at Ryehill Health Centre and I am seeking assurances that this will be actively considered by the Health Board.Although I was sent a briefing about the Ryehill situation earlier this week, there has been a lack of clarity on exactly how patients will be supported to have GP access in the future.
It strikes me as infinitely preferable that the health board keeps the practice open under NHS Tayside management than closes it which would mean thousands of people having to be found a new GP.
Adding 5400 people across the other GP practices in Dundee will simply add to the pressure on these practices and the quality of service and I don’t see that as in any way the best outcome.
Getting things done – Westgate Health Centre #dundeewestend
Many West End residents use the Westgate Health Centre for their GP services.
I have received requests that the practice has a handrail added outside the entrance to assist patients with mobility difficulties parking in the disabled parking bays to get from there to the GP entrance.
I raised this with NHS Tayside and its Medical Director has helpfully responded as follows :
“NHS Tayside is committed to ensuring our sites are accessible for patients and I can confirm that improvements to ramp access have been made and automatic doors have been installed at the health centre in recent years.
The issue regarding the lack of handrails has been passed to our Property Team and I can advise that a handrail will be designed and fitted as soon as possible. This is being done in consultation with the Westgate Practice Manager.
We will also undertake an assessment of the roadways and footpaths as required to ensure the continued safety of patients.”
Power of Attorney – Start the Conversation
Last couple of days …
Here4U project seeks volunteers
A new community project in Dundee aimed at supporting people who are receiving end of life care at home, is seeking volunteers.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms screening
On Wave 102 – Hospital Link
333 bus service
Medical records dumped in West Port – an update
Medical records dumped in West Port
Problems with parking at Ninewells Hospital
James Arrott Drive
As reported in tonight’s Evening Telegraph, NHS Tayside is considering permanently closing James Arrott Drive in the Ninewells Hospital grounds to through traffic, following the completion of work on two major developments that have closed the road temporarily – the new nuclear medicine unit building project and a new extension to the assisted conception unit.
As I said in the Tele, I appreciate the problems of irresponsible speeding on this stretch of road but I hope NHS Tayside will consider all options, including traffic calming.
Last couple of days …
Today, I had a very productive meeting with Chief Superintendent Gavin Robertson, Detective Chief Inspector Shaun McKillop and Inspector Dave Scott from Tayside Police, following concerns about break-ins in parts of the West End.
The police representatives emphasised that the police are giving high priority to the break-ins situation across the Dundee Division of Tayside Police. Specifically, in terms of Beat 26 in the West End Ward, which covers the east part of the ward (excluding the Perth Road corridor) from the river up to Pentland, there has been significant targeted police resource being put in and in terms of detection and prevention this is showing signs of improvement with a detection rate above the city average (covering both theft and reset). Use of proactive patrols and intelligence-led stop and search is proving helpful.
The police are keen to ensure that residents are given good security advice and we had a very useful discussion about promoting and extending controlled entry systems for tenement/flatted properties. They are also keen to meet with local residents’ groups to update them on what action is being taken both to prevent and detect thefts from houses, garages and sheds in the area.
A new crime prevention advice book is also being published and I have asked for copies for constituents.
I am pleased that the police are taking very proactive and positive steps to tackle this serious issue.
Given the concerns we all have about the
suicides of young people in the city over the summer, this was an important event to discuss suicide prevention measures being taken locally, multi-agency working, and support for people and their families.I asked questions about support and about awareness training. A full report on the outcomes from today’s meeting will go to the council’s Social Work and Health Commitee. Full details of the Scottish Government’s Choose Life campaign is available at
http://www.chooselife.net/.NHS Tayside – Transportation of drugs
As reported in today’s Courier, the issues have been resolved and I pay tribute to NHS Tayside for its willingness to discuss my concerns and react positively to the points I made. Here is the letter that I have received from the NHS Tayside Chief Executive :
Dear Councillor Macpherson
Chief Executive
Transportation of drugs – an update
Latest round up …
I had raised concerns with Professor Tony Wells and have received the following response :
“Thank you for your e-mail of 27 May 2010 regarding the transportation of controlled drugs via the Service 333 Hospital Link Bus.I wish to advise you that following the recent extension of the bus route to include Royal Victoria Hospital, ad hoc pharmacy requests for items required outwith the scheduled delivery service are being transported via this method. Controlled drugs are not included in the items that are to be sent via this method of transport. I do however understand that when this service commenced there was one occasion when a controlled drug was sent to Royal Victoria Hospital along with a number of other pharmacy items. This was an error and measures have been put in place to ensure this will not occur in the future. The use of the bus to transport goods is seen as good use of an existing resource and a way of avoiding unnecessary expenditure. Any goods placed on and removed from the bus are carried out by NHS Tayside staff, with the goods being transported in a locked compartment.”
I have responded as follows : “I have concerns that any drugs are being transported by public transport and would ask what risk assessment has been carried out in this respect? What guidelines exist within the NHS in Scotland with respect to the transportation of drugs and do these clarify good practice in relation to transportation by public transport? Can I ask if the “locked compartment” is a static and unmovable part of the bus or is it a portable unit? Is it out of reach of a child? Can I also seek assurances that there is a responsible person of staff accompanying the transportation and that there are adequate security arrangements?”
I will update residents when I receive answers to these questions.
Ward 6 Royal Victoria Hospital – an update
Talks with NHS Tayside over the future of Ward 6, Royal Victoria Hospital
I am pleased to say that NHS Tayside has given me an invitation to meet with Gerry Marr, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Tayside, on Tuesday to discuss the issues and the concerns I have raised.
It is clear from medical professionals’ concerns that the proposals in relation to Ward 6 have thrown up very real issues and I therefore welcome the opportunity to meet with NHS Tayside.
It is particularly important that NHS Tayside hears Dundee constituents’ concerns give that Shona Robison, Public Health Minister, has unfortunately washed her hands of the issue.
I felt it was important that the Public Health Minister took action rather than simply listening to the views of NHS Tayside and apparently not hearing the views of patients and senior clinicians. I have been inundated with concerns from constituents about this matter and its all the more disappointing that Shona Robison has chosen not to listen to the concerns.
I do, however, hope for constructive talks on Tuesday with NHS Tayside, when I can highlight the issues raised by many constituents across the West End.
Royal Victoria Hospital – update on concerns about older people services
“Further to your letter of 11th May to me, I have continued to receive numerous concerns from constituents about the proposals relative to Ward 6 at Royal Victoria Hospital and these concerns have clearly been recognised by the senior clinicians who I understand have written to you to also voice their concerns.
I would be grateful if you would now consider reconsideration of the proposals that will give reassurance to my constituents who are most concerned about the effect on the quality of care for elderly people. “