£10k golden hello to entice GPS to remote Scots island

GPS are being offered a £10,000 golden hello to “escape the rat race” and work in the Outer Hebrides.

NHS Western Isles is wooing doctors with a “sense of adventure” to apply to relocate to the Isle of Barra.

The role comes with a salary of up to £98,555, plus 40 per cent enhancement, a distant island allowance of £1,279 per year, and 41 days annual leave.

Relocation expenses are offered to move to the tiny island, which is linked by a causeway to Vatersay and home to around 1,300 people.

“The Isles of Barra and Vatersay are equally renowned for their shimmering beaches and turquoise waters as they are for their warm welcome and strong sense of identity and community,” the job advertisement reads.

Dr Frank Mcauley, NHS Western Isles medical director, said: “This is a very rare and rewarding opportunity to escape the rat race and practice medicine in idyllic surroundings, where you will become a true member of a community.

“These roles will appeal to experienced GPS, but also those earlier in their careers looking for the challenge.

“While the posts themselves present an opportunity for medics to expand their skills, the unique and stunning location of Barra and Vatersay, often referred to as ‘Barradise’, is hoped to appeal to GPS looking to improve their work-life balance.”

The closing date for applications is June 23.

Last year, it was revealed that the Isles’ NHS board had paid about £500,000 to locum GPS on the island since a dispute with the local GP practice over medical cover at the isle’s St Brendan’s Hospital began.

Between September – when the last GP in the practice withdrew and the health board took over GP services on Barra – and December, nine locum doctors were used at a cost of £675 per day.