Service pledge over GP out-of-hours merger

NHS Grampian has said a proposal to merge out-of-hours GP services in three towns would not lead to cuts to the service offered to patients.

It follows the recent decision to close overnight minor injuries units (MIUs) in Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Huntly.

Aberdeenshire's Health and Social Care Partnership said patients would still have the option of the Grampian Medical Emergency Department (GMED) service which offers out-of-hours primary care.

Now NHS Grampian has said that as part of a review, it is considering merging the GMED bases in the three towns.

No timescale has been set for a decision.

The Scottish Conservatives said the move could put lives at risk, as patients would be asked to travel too far for help.