NHS Tayside stated it has no interest in transforming a former Perthshire school into a local GP surgery.
The health body was reacting to a suggestion from Councillor Mac Roberts, who put forward the idea that it could use the former Invergowrie Primary School.
This follows concerns raised by residents that the existing GP surgery in Errol Road cannot supply the required services needed by patients. Some people had called for these premises to be expanded, with Mr Roberts previously describing the surgery as “little bigger than a shed.”
With the new school in the village being opened last year, the old building is now surplus to requirements and has been advertised for sale by Perth and Kinross Council.
Yesterday Mr Roberts, who is one of the representatives for the Carse of Gowrie, said: “I hope that the NHS takes this opportunity to acquire this building, as their current surgery premises in Invergowrie are well below any acceptable standards.
“I appreciate that general practice provision in the Carse of Gowrie is currently under review but regardless of the outcome, an improved facility at Invergowrie will, I am sure, be necessary.”
He continued: “Invergowrie has a high percentage of residents who are elderly and for whom a doctors’ surgery on their doorstep is a vital facility.”
However, a spokesperson for NHS Tayside said yesterday it has no plans to purchase the former primary school.
“An accommodation review of Invergowrie Medical Practice has been carried out and the premises meet the clinical needs of the practice and its patients,” the spokesperson said.
“Some improvements works, such as external decoration, flooring and barrier carpet at the main entrance, were carried out recently. We are also seeking cost estimates for repairs to the access road, which will be shared with all of the owners.
“We are continuing our discussions with the GPs in Invergowrie around the future primary care provision.”
The £8 million Invergowrie Primary School was officially opened in June last year and has eight classrooms for 235 pupils and a further 40 nursery places. It also has a gym, drama space, offices and teaching spaces.