The question of a full-time GP for the largest village in Angus looks set to be raised again at an important upcoming event.
On October 29, the long-awaited official opening of the Letham health and wellbeing centre will take place, with locals invited to offer their suggestions for how the Jubilee Court facility can be used.
But health chiefs have given no indication of any plans to put a full-time doctor in place a demand that has been made over a number of years.
The health centre development was beset by delays and although it is now up and running, there is a recognition that it is underutilised.
Grace Stewart of Letham Community Council said: “We hope the people of Letham will join us and representatives from NHS Tayside and the third sector in an official opening at the centre.
“This will be a drop-in session where the public can pop in any time between 4pm and 8pm and view some of the suggestions as to how the centre could be used in the future.”
Interim lead officer for Angus health and social care partnership Gail Smith said the community council had been involved in discussions with NHS Tayside and Voluntary Action Angus representatives for some time about the long-term provision of health and wellbeing services for the village and the aim is to provide a more community-based approach with improved access to services.
NHS Tayside director of primary and community services Bill Nicoll said: “I would encourage people to come along to the opening of the new centre to hear about a range of initiatives that have been designed in collaboration with the local community to use this new facility as a hub for local health and wellbeing solutions.
“A specialist community nursing team is already using the centre and the aim is to run a variety of clinics and drop-in sessions designed in collaboration with the community to meet the health needs of the local population.
“Those attending the opening will also have the chance to hear from a community pharmacist about the range of pharmacy services that will be on offer in the local area.”