Edward Mountain MSP today challenged the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to enable rural GPs to help out in the rollout of the winter vaccine programme.
This call came after constituents contacted the Highlands and Islands MSP, detailing their difficulties in securing a vaccine appointment in Strathspey. Instead, the elderly couple – who wish to remain anonymous – were both offered an appointment in two separate locations on two separate days.
The Cabinet Secretary called this situation “regrettable” and confirmed that he is happy for rural GPs to support the rollout of the winter vaccine programme “if they are needed.”
During a Ministerial Statement on the Scottish Government’s Winter Vaccination programme, Edward Mountain MSP asked: “centralised vaccination centres simply don’t work in rural areas. One housebound and vulnerable elderly couple in Strathspey have been given their appointments on two different days and in two different locations, with one being asked to make an 8 hour round trip of 70 miles to Inverness.
“That doesn’t fit in with your statement to provide more local and smaller centres.
“I favour GPs in rural areas rolling out the vaccines, as they did earlier on in the pandemic. If GPs are willing to do this, are you willing to support them?”
The Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care replied: “In short, yes absolutely. What I would say to Mr Mountain is that if he wants to furnish me with those specific details, then I am happy to follow that up with the appropriate health boards. I gave the details of the local arrangements and how many local centres there are, if there’s been an issue with scheduling then that’s of course regrettable.
The Cabinet Secretary then said if GPs “are keen to be part of that vaccine programme and they are needed, if that is the case - if they are needed - then there should be no restriction on behalf of government.
The Cabinet Secretary clarified further: “if GPs are willing to do so – I know it’s not part of their contract, but if they are willing to do so.”
Following the statement, Edward Mountain MSP said:
“I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s response today. Centralised vaccinations are unsuitable in the Highlands and the practical solution for many is for rural GPs to receive the support, both physical and financial, they need to deliver vaccines.
“The more Highlanders who can receive their vaccines closer to home, especially the elderly and vulnerable, the better.”
