MSP EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION TO CABINET SECRETARY OVER ACCESS ISSUES AT RIVERSIDE MEDICAL PRACTICE

Today, Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, met again with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf to address the wholly unacceptable situation at Riverside Medical Practice. 

Mr Beattie expressed the great concerns of his constituents and stated the issue has carried on for too long. The constituency MSP has demanded action is taken now. 

It is agreed by all parties that the demand for healthcare in Musselburgh exceeds the capacity the Practice can provide. It was also agreed that issues remain regarding resource allocation and data provided in order to draw comparisons with the healthcare provided across East Lothian to provide the Scottish Government with a fuller picture of the access issues patients face at Riverside.  

Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: 

“This is a pre-pandemic issue where patients have struggled to access the first basic step in the healthcare system. I do not believe the severe circumstances Riverside patients encounter accessing healthcare is comparable to any other medical practice in the Lothian region.

“Following discussion with the Cabinet Secretary today, I am glad he has personally taken this issue on board and wants to seek out a solution. This intervention is much required, and I truly believe he wants to help the patients at Riverside access the healthcare they require. 

“I have expressed my frustrations that meeting after meeting has taken place, yet no solution has been proposed to this long-term issue - a frustration the Cabinet Secretary shared with myself and my constituents. 

“I remain concerned with the access issues at Riverside. The Cabinet Secretary understands action needs to be taken to resolve these issues and I hope he and his team can work with the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to find an urgent and much needed solution.
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“I want to reassure my constituents that I am focused on solving these access issues and working with all parties to do so. I hope to meet again with the Cabinet Secretary in the coming weeks for an update.”