THE feasibility of a GP practice at Wallyford is to be examined by health bosses.

Calum Campbell, chief executive of NHS Lothian, told the Courier this week that a “scoping exercise” would be carried out over the coming months and the findings reviewed.

Labour councillors Fiona Dugdale and Colin McGinn, who represent Wallyford, and Andy Forrest, who represents Musselburgh, took their campaign to Mr Campbell and Jeane Freeman MSP, cabinet secretary for health, calling on them to provide a medical centre for the village amidst an influx of new house building in the area.

They said they had heard from patients and community groups about the pressures on GP services in the area.

They launched a petition at the end of 2019 which attracted 900 signatures.

The trio said that the issue had continued to be raised with them by community councils and patients using existing services in Musselburgh.

Ms Dugdale said: “We have written to Jeane Freeman, as the Scottish Government policy is to provide services as close as possible to where people live.

“Constituents have raised concerns with me about the difficulties they face in accessing primary care services in Musselburgh.

“This is particularly difficult for older people and families with young children who have to use public transport.

“Having a medical centre in Wallyford would make a huge difference to them.

“Given all the new homes being built and the difficulties in accessing health services in Musselburgh, it is time to listen to patients, the communities and their representatives and plan for a new medical centre in Wallyford.”

Mr McGinn added: “We have already seen new homes built in this part of my ward, and many more will be built.

“East Lothian Council recognises the need to provide new schools to accommodate the growth in population.

“Communities also need new health services to meet the needs of the growing population.

“That is why we have written to the chief executive of NHS Lothian to provide a new GP practice in Wallyford.”

Mr Forrest has also signed the letter and said: “In discussions with my colleagues, I saw the opportunity not only to improve access to health services for people living in Whitecraig and Wallyford but also for people living in the east of Musselburgh.

“This would help ease the pressure on existing GP services in Musselburgh.”

Mr Campbell said: “We’re aware of community concerns regarding the provision of GP services in Wallyford which we’ve previously discussed with community members.

“We’ve agreed that East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership will request that a scoping exercise is carried out on behalf of NHS Lothian into the feasibility of a new GP practice in the village.

“This process will be carried out over the coming months and we will review the findings when the final report is available.”