Aberdeenshire IJB approves relocation of Vaccination Service to Chalmers Hospital
The Aberdeenshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) today approved the relocation of the vaccination service currently based at the former Macduff GP Practice on Duff Street, Macduff, to Chalmers Community Hospital in Banff.
The decision follows a period of public engagement and consideration of the benefits, impacts and mitigation measures associated with the proposal.
The move will see vaccination services delivered from a modern, fit-for-purpose clinical environment at Chalmers Hospital, supporting the continued safe, effective and sustainable delivery of vaccination programmes for people across Banff, Macduff and surrounding communities.
The current Macduff site was reopened as a temporary vaccination facility to support the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and is not a sustainable long-term location for the service.
The Board acknowledged concerns raised during engagement, particularly around parking, transport and accessibility. A total of 198 responses were received through the engagement process, and the findings have helped shape a range of mitigation measures, including clear information for service users about transport options and the continued ability, where clinically and operationally appropriate, to arrange appointments at alternative times or venues.
Chair of the Aberdeenshire IJB, Cllr Anne Stirling, said: “The Board has carefully considered the feedback we received from local people and fully recognises the concerns that have been raised. However, we also have a responsibility to ensure services are delivered from premises that are sustainable, clinically appropriate and to ensure the best use of public resources.
“Relocating the vaccination clinic to Chalmers Hospital will provide a more suitable long-term base for the service while ensuring local people continue to have access to high-quality vaccination programmes. We are committed to working with communities to minimise any impact and to monitor the arrangements closely once the move is implemented.”
Vice Chair of the Aberdeenshire IJB, John Tomlinson, said: “Bringing services together within Chalmers Hospital (pictured right) makes better use of existing facilities and supports a more integrated approach to care. This decision helps ensure vaccination services in Banff and Buchan, remain sustainable and resilient for the future.”
The vaccination service provides a range of programmes, including influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal, RSV and seasonal booster vaccinations for people living in Macduff, Banff and surrounding communities.
Chief Officer of Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Leigh Jolly, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the engagement process and share their views.
“I would also like to recognise the hard work and dedication of our vaccination teams, support staff and wider AHSCP colleagues who continue to deliver an essential service for communities across Banff and Buchan. Their commitment has been instrumental in the success of the vaccination programme, and this move will help provide a sustainable base from which they can continue that work into the future.”
The move will now be progressed over the coming months, with further information provided to patients and local communities ahead of implementation. In addition, the local Aberdeenshire Council Roads Team will monitor the impact of any additional pressure on the road infrastructure around Chalmers Hospital.
Subject to the relocation being completed, the former Macduff clinic building will be declared surplus to Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership requirements, with any future decisions regarding the property being taken through NHS Grampian governance processes.