Call for film extras
Furnace surgery frustration
As a Furnace resident who has actively participated in attempting to resolve the Furnace surgery closure situation, I welcome the coverage given in last week’s Advertiser.
However, I would like to clarify and provide further background information on the statements printed, to provide readers with a balanced view of the events leading up to the issue of the letter from the Lochgilphead Medical Practice (LMP):
Sep 2018 - LMP inform Furnace residents at an open meeting held in Furnace village hall that they have decided to reduce surgery opening to two days per week due to a shortage of GPs.
Dec 2019 – LMP introduce a “demand led” appointment service and soon after reduce Furnace surgery opening to one day per week, with nurse/GP appointment availability only being offered in Inveraray.
When Covid-19 intervened this became a further reason why the Furnace surgery building should not be reopened due to increased cleaning/sanitation requirements and an ongoing “dispute” between LMP and Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) over who should pay what costs associated with operating from the surgery building.
The above unsatisfactory (to Furnace residents) situation continued until Dec 2022 when, without prior warning, or consultation, LMP issued a letter informing Furnace and Minard patients that they had decided to permanently close the Furnace surgery building.
On receipt of this letter residents expressed their dissatisfaction which highlighted the complete lack of any form of patient consultation and the Furnace Community Council (FCC) conducted a “straw poll” type survey which demonstrated overwhelming support for the re-introduction of some form of local GP and healthcare services.
This information was shared with both LMP and HSCP and after some reluctance, both parties agreed to meet with members of FCC and local Argyll and Bute councillors in June 2023.
At this meeting a number of actions were agreed between parties all aimed at looking into the re-introduction of some form of local healthcare service from Furnace.
Regrettably since the June 2023 meeting no further progress was made, or shared with
Furnace residents and members of the FCC who understandably became increasingly frustrated by both a lack of progress and a lack of communication.
Jan 2024 – LMP’s letter of notice is issued, which makes the case from their side.
Whilst Furnace residents are sympathetic to the numerous challenges that the GPs have faced in providing the range of GP and healthcare services to the Furnace community, equally residents feel that they should be treated equitably especially when it comes to aspects that impact directly on the quality of their daily lives, ie the provision of healthcare services.
It is very unfortunate that both the LMP and the HSCP have been unable to resolve their differences, but FCC now feel more confident that “at last” the voices of Furnace residents are being heard and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Argyll and Bute HSCP during the process of transitioning GP service provision and seeking to engage a suitable entity, who can provide the range of services required by the Furnace, Minard and Inveraray communities.
Whilst Furnace may well be a small rural village, it does have a post office, shop and hall and a very active community spirit which always seeks to progress and move things forward.
M Boston, Furnace resident
I am working on a popular TV series that will be filming in Inveraray at the start of February.
We’d love to cast some local residents as extras – all roles paid at PACT/Equity rates.
We are looking for all ages, genders and ethnicities. Filming will be from February 5-14.
If you are interested email sibcrowd@gmail. com with your full name, home postcode and recent headshot/portrait photograph to register your interest.
Sophy Taylor, Fleet River Productions