The announcement from NHS Grampian that the Minor Injuries Unit in Huntly will be shut overnight is short-sighted and must be reversed.

People can’t time accidents and will be left with no option other than to travel more than 40 miles to Aberdeen with injuries, while some may not have access to transport at that time of night or be unable to travel into Aberdeen during winter months.

Storms in recent years have resulted in the A96 being closed completely by Huntly, which would leave no option to go to Aberdeen.

With ambulances queuing due to long waiting times at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, it’s more important than ever that we make full use of all of our local health centres and Minor Injury Units.