Maree Todd has welcomed First Minister John Swinney to Alness Pharmacy to discuss how pharmacists will support the rollout of new GP walk in clinics across the Highlands.
The visit comes ahead of the opening of a new walk in clinic in Invergordon this May, part of a wider plan to expand access to urgent care and ease pressure on GP practices and hospitals.
The model aims to make it easier for people to receive treatment for common conditions without needing a traditional appointment, while strengthening links between services.
Pharmacies are expected to play a central role in supporting the clinics, offering advice, treatment and early intervention within communities.
Maree Todd said:
“Having spent 20 years working in NHS Highland as a mental health pharmacist, I know just how essential pharmacies are in helping people manage their health and wellbeing, and in supporting the wider healthcare system.
“I’m delighted to welcome the First Minister to Alness Pharmacy today to meet the incredible team here, who are right at the heart of their community.
“This was a great opportunity for the First Minister to hear directly from the team about how pharmacy can contribute to and strengthen the delivery of the new GP walk-in clinic in Invergordon.”
Todd also highlighted the role pharmacies could play in wider public health plans, including the development of local health hubs.
Maree Todd added:
“It was also fantastic to talk with the First Minister and the team about how pharmacy will support the rollout of health hubs, a new public health initiative pledged by the SNP to support early diagnosis and prevention of conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.”
The proposed health hubs would offer checks, screening and diagnostic services in accessible locations such as pharmacies, shopping centres, workplaces and community venues.
The approach is designed to support earlier diagnosis and reduce long term pressure on the NHS by focusing on prevention as well as treatment.
John Swinney said:
“Our GP walk-in centres are springing up across the country and they’re a complete game-changer for hardworking Scots, nowhere is that felt more than in the Highlands.
“Maree Todd spent 20 years as a mental health pharmacist here in the Highlands so she knows exactly the value of the GP-walk clinic in Invergordon and Alness and that crucial role that pharmacies play too.
“Operations numbers are up, waiting times continue to fall and we are driving down the 8am rush with our GP walk-in centre rollout, the SNP has a plan for our NHS and it is working.”
The rollout of walk in clinics and health hubs forms part of a wider shift towards more accessible, community based healthcare across Scotland.
