Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has welcomed the news that vaccinations will again be carried out by GPs in the Highlands.
The MSP has been pressing both NHS Highland and the Scottish Government for three years to have the policy of a centralised vaccination programme reversed amid fears that the elderly and young parents who would expect their babies to be vaccinated locally would be faced with costly and lengthy journeys for routine vaccinations.
Rhoda Grant said:
“There are huge delays in getting people in the Highlands vaccinated and many GP practices are keen to be involved in this, to move things forward.
“Most Highland GPs voted against this change to the GP Contract in 2018 due to the impact this would have on rural health care.
“Children’s vaccinations and flu vaccinations for eligible groups in particular are being badly impacted.
“I have been in touch with NHS Highland over many months about this and just last week I sought an update from them on this.
“Indeed, my colleague, Jackie Baillie, raised the issue in the Parliament yesterday so I am glad common sense has prevailed.
“Those who have not yet been vaccinated need to be seen quickly, with a catch up on children’s vaccinations being given priority.”
