MSP for the South of Scotland Emma Harper today (Thursday) said that changes to GP services in Wigtown are a sensible response to the ongoing and UK-wide problems with recruiting GPs. The changes, which will be implemented from 1st September, will see the merger of the Wigtown Practice with the Merrick Practice in Newton Stewart, following the retirement of key members of staff.
Emma said:
“Changes to well-established ways of delivering health care can be difficult but the two practices have come up with a sensible and pragmatic solution which will allow services to continue to be provided in Wigtown at least part of the time.
“There are difficulties in recruiting GPs in Dumfries & Galloway, and the west of the region in particular, although Dumfries & Galloway certainly isn’t unique in experiencing such difficulties. If anything there is a national, and indeed UK-wide, shortage of people going into General Practice.
“The Scottish Government has taken action to address this problem by investing in more GP training places and in providing incentives to encourage GPs to return to practice. However these measures will inevitably take time to make a difference and in the meantime it’s vital that people still have access to essential services.
“My career in healthcare has taught me how highly people value accessible, reliable primary care services. It will be my priority to work with NHS Dumfries & Galloway and the Locality Health & Social Care Integration Team to do everything I can to support them in dealing with the challenges that recruitment can pose and in continuing to deliver high-quality services, which are as accessible as possible.”
