A CREATIVE bid to attract GPs to Dumfries and Galloway has drawn a strong response, with seven doctors set to visit this weekend.
GPs are in demand across Scotland, and in the face of that competition an idea emerged in Wigtownshire to host a weekend visit for doctors and their partners – introducing them to the area.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway GP liaison officer Lucy Gurling said: “We’ve got sevenGPs and their partners coming to visit Wigtownshire this weekend, to experience what life is like here and gain an insight into the opportunities which exist within this fabulous part of the country.
“All seven are very genuinely interested in coming to work in the area, and even just one or two coming to work here could make a big difference.”
This weekend’s event will see visiting GPs and their partners stay at Creebridge House Hotel, visit some locations in Wigtownshire, and meet prospective GP colleagues who will offer an insight into working in the area, job opportunities for partners and the high quality education available for children.
Lucy herself moved to the area six years ago with GP husband Dr Stephen Gurling, who works as at Galloway Hills Medical Group in Newton Stewart.
Pleased with the response, Lucy said: “We’re really excited about the level of interest that has been demonstrated, with enquiries from all over the UK.
“Among those visiting GPs we’ve got one coming from the Glasgow area, another from Forth Valley, one from Nottingham, and one studying in England.
“Some have already got links with the area, which is ideal – we’ve had one or two who have either worked in the area or who have family in the area, and that’s great.
“Others have just literally seen our advert and thought, ‘I fancy a move; let’s have a try’.”
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership Wigtownshire Locality Manager June Watters welcomes the strong interest.
June said: “For any amount of job advertising, there is perhaps no substitute for actually visiting Wigtownshire and seeing firsthand what a fantastic place it is to live and work.
“We have no doubt that GPs who decide to come and work in Wigtownshire will make a big contribution to the area, and so we are happy to support an approach which will introduce some to a potential new home.”
