Pledges made to find new GPs to take over surgeries
While the future of the Furnace and Inveraray surgeries hangs in the balance, one GP practice may yet save the day, writes Rita Campbell.
New partners are being sought to provide GP services to communities in Inveraray and Furnace after Lochgilphead Medical Centre partners gave notice last week of their intent to return the contract for GP services in the two areas.
Although responsibility for providing the service will go back to Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, Strachur Medical Practice, which bid for the contract previously, has highlighted its intention to try again.
Dr Robbie Baunsbak Coull, GP at Strachur Medical Practice, said his practice was one of three which had applied to run services in Furnace and Inveraray when Lochgilphead was originally awarded the contract.
He said: “We’re looking at our options to put together an application again. We work closely with our patients when developing services or applying to expand the practice, so I’ve arranged a meeting with the chair of our patient group to discuss this.
“One of the first things we will likely want to do is ask for patients in Furnace and Inveraray who would be willing to volunteer to meet with us and give up some of their time to tell us how they would like to see the service developed and to help us develop a plan for the practice. I’ll ask our patient group if that is something they could facilitate.”
A consultation by Furnace Community Council last year demonstrated “overwhelming support” for the reintroduction of GP healthcare services in the village. (See letters, page 26)
Mid Argyll Councillor Jan Brown said: “I think it’s a shame that the Lochgilphead practice feels it has no choice but to give up servicing Inveraray and Furnace.
“I am sure that the HSPC will work hard to not only find another practice to take on Inveraray and Furnace but will make sure that patients have continuity of service and that everyone will have access to a doctor during this time.”
Linda Divers, chairwoman of Inveraray Community Council, said: “There is obviously concern about this. At this stage, we are waiting for answers about what is going to happen next.” Conducting a consultation into the future of Furnace and Inveraray surgeries is an immediate priority, said the HSCP last week. A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute HSCP added: “We would like to extend our appreciation to our partners for the excellent healthcare services delivered to patients in Furnace and Inveraray since 2015.
“Our immediate priority is to seek new partners for the practice areas. We are committed to working in close collaboration with the outgoing partners to ensure a smooth transitional period. “As a matter of priority, we intend over a £20 million revenue gap projected in the next few years.
“Faced once again with unpalatable options for a balanced budget this year and with a need to think about next year too, we reluctantly considered that a council tax rise of 10 per cent would be needed to protect to conduct a comprehensive consultation regarding the future of the currently closed Furnace branch surgery with local community members.”
She added: “The HSCP acknowledges this can be a worrying time for patients during this period. It is important to recognise that we remain committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services, and we are fully aware of our responsibility to fulfil this obligation.”
The Lochgilphead doctors said they have been struggling with staffing issues for some time, particularly attracting and retaining GPs.
Their decision follows an unpopular decision to close Furnace surgery during Covid and an attempt to make this closure permanent. Services have continued to be provided in Inveraray, eight miles away.
Proposed 10 per cent council tax rise
the services people in Argyll and Bute rely on.”
The council will decide its budget and council tax on February 22. Information is expected in the build-up to that meeting about what other service cuts and changes, if any, will be considered. See full story at www.westcoasttoday.co.uk.