Moray MP Douglas has slammed SNP health secretary Michael Matheson for “shamefully” refusing once again to meet with Save our Surgeries campaigners in Hopeman and Burghead.
Douglas had challenged the health secretary to meet local campaigners who are fighting to re-open GP surgeries in their villages in the Scottish Parliament at the end of May, but he turned down his request.
Following that refusal, Douglas wrote to Mr Matheson asking him to reconsider his decision and come to Moray to hear first-hand from local residents about why re-opening the GP surgeries is so important to their respective communities.
The health secretary has now responded to Douglas’ latest request. While he says he understands the frustration of people in Hopeman and Burghead, he said that it would be “inappropriate” for him to directly intervene in the issue.
Douglas says that is a “complete dereliction of duty” from Michael Matheson and says it is “disgraceful” that he is “washing his hands” off the issue.
He has also called on First Minister Humza Yousaf to live up to his promise to meet the “Save our Surgeries” campaigners which he made during a recent visit to Moray.
Douglas says he has been “proud” to stand alongside the Save our Surgeries campaigners and says the continued refusal of Michael Matheson to meet with them shows the “contempt” the SNP hold for rural communities.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It is utterly shameful that Michael Matheson has once again refused to come and meet with Save our Surgeries campaigners in Hopeman and Burghead.
“They are fighting tirelessly to get these GP surgeries re-opened, which are so vital for their respective villages.
“As the health secretary Michael Matheson is ultimately responsible for GP services in Scotland. It is a complete dereliction of duty that he says it wouldn’t appropriate for him to intervene in this situation.
“He now appears to be washing his hands off the future of GP services in the villages which is disgraceful.
“Save our Surgeries campaigners will now be wondering if Humza Yousaf will keep his promise and meet with them, or whether he will be another SNP politician to let them down.
“I have been proud to stand alongside campaigners. They continue to make their case exceptionally well, but they need officials and politicians to listen and act on their concerns.
“Michael Matheson’s rejection of my meeting request sums up the contempt the SNP have for rural healthcare services across Moray.”