Medical centre to close after only doctor quits
Fears for elderly patients as axe falls on GP surgery
LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER
A GP practice in Paisley is set to close after its only doctor quit their job.
St James’ Medical Centre will shut for good at the end of next month and patients will be allocated to other practices, Renfrewshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has confirmed.
The centre has the second-lowest number of registered patients in the region - 2,971 - and has been managed by one GP for many years.
After a long struggle to recruit another doctor, that GP resigned in September last year and, in the short-term, the practice has been managed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff.
But bosses have now decided to close the facility for good, insisting there is “no other sustainable longterm solution”.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, who represents the Paisley Northwest ward where the centre is situated, said he was worried about elderly patients who have become used to the practice and would’ve preferred to see the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) recruit another doctor.
He said: “This is a disappointing decision, particularly for the patients that are used to the practice as they will now have to go somewhere they don’t know.
“It’s especially concerning for the elderly patients because they’re used to seeing the same faces.
“In an ideal world, I’d have liked to have seen them recruit one or two other GPs rather than close a centre.
“I hope now the HSCP does make the effort to directly contact every patient and make sure they all know they can choose another practice to go to.
“I don’t think sending letters is good enough.”
The decision was taken following a period of consultation which considered a range of options for the future of the practice.
HSCP chiefs have said patients will be automatically signed up to another surgery but will be able to move after that if they are not satisfied with their allocation.
Letters have been sent out to registered patients at St James’ advising them of the closure date of March 31 and the next steps.
A report to the Health and Social
Care Integration Joint Board stated regular meetings have been held with staff and preparation for support around redeployment is in place.
It added there are “likely” to be a number of roles available for practice staff across the HSCP.
Dr Stuart Sutton, clinical director at Renfrewshire HSCP, added: “It is regrettable that we have had to take this decision, but, having reviewed all possible alternatives, there was no other sustainable long-term solution.
“Patient safety and accessibility of GP services is our priority concern, and I am confident this course of action will provide the best outcome for patients currently registered with the St James’ Practice.”
Other practices in the area have been made aware of the impending closure and many have said they will be able to take more patients on.
Registered patients should continue to make appointments at and will be able to collect repeat prescriptions from St James’ Medical Centre up until the date of transfer on April 1.
Three engagement sessions have been organised this month for any patients who have questions or concerns.
Two of the sessions will offer appointments via video due to the pandemic. The third will be inperson, but social distancing will be observed.
The first session will be on Monday, February 21, from noon to 5pm, while the second will be on Wednesday, February 23, from 2pm to 5pm, both via video conferencing.
The third in-person session will be on Monday, February 28, from 12pm to 5pm with a Paisley venue still to be confirmed.
Anyone who wishes to join a session should email renfrewshire. hscp@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or call 0141 618 7629.