Macduff Vaccination Centre

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership carried out a period of engagement on a proposal to move the Vaccination Clinic in Duff Street, Macduff to Chalmers Hospital in Banff. The reason for the proposal is that the building in Macduff is not in a suitable condition to deliver healthcare services long-term and would require substantial capital investment, but we do not have funding available for these works especially as there is a suitable alternative available at Chalmers Community Hospital. The proposed move allows us to ensure that the service can continue in a safe, efficient and sustainable way. A short survey was issued on the Engage Aberdeenshire website running from 13th May to 3rd June 2026. This was actively promoted across social media channels and including Community Councils and Elected Members to enable as wide a representation from across the communities affected to give their views on the proposed move.”

A total of 198 responses were received with residents covering a range of communities. The survey findings show that views were mixed. A significant proportion of respondents reported no impact, but a material minority identified that the proposal would have a substantial effect on them and/or their family. This is important context, as it indicates that while the proposal may be manageable for many service users, there are specific groups for whom the change could create additional barriers.

The most frequently raised issues related to parking and access at Chalmers Hospital, followed by concerns regarding increased travel time, transport difficulty and additional cost. Respondents also highlighted the potential for disproportionate impacts on older people, disabled people and carers, as well as concern about the loss of local access in Macduff. At the same time, some respondents recognised the benefits of providing the service from a single, more sustainable site. These findings have informed the Integrated Impact Assessments and the identification of mitigations to reduce negative impacts where possible.

What we’re doing

The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership has considered the impacts and concerns raised through engagement. In particular, concerns regarding parking, additional travel time and transport issues will require clear communication to service users in advance of appointments, including information on transport options and local access arrangements. This information will be contained within the appointment letter. Patients will continue to have the option to reschedule appointments to a more suitable time or venue where this is clinically and operationally appropriate. The impact on groups where some people may be more likely to experience difficulty in accessing the relocated service, including older people, disabled people and carers, will continue to be monitored as part of implementation and ongoing service review. The move of the vaccination clinic from Macduff to Banff was agreed by the Integration Joint Board on 1st July 2026. Work is underway with the involvement of all local teams to ensure a smooth service transition which is scheduled for early Autumn.