NHS Tayside has stepped in to try to avert a looming Brechin GP crisis.
The Brechin Medical Practice partnership is being dissolved after two doctors left and replacements have not been found due to a national GP shortage. Health bosses said steps are being taken to resolve the situation and moves already put in place have helped tackle areas including missed appointments.
They have also given an assurance that primary care remains an “absolute priority”. The partnership asked NHS Tayside to take over the running of the practice and that will come into place on October 1.
Dr Michelle Watts, associate medical director of primary care services for NHS Tayside, said: “Work is already under way to recruit a team of salaried GPs for Brechin who will be employed by NHS Tayside and will work with the existing team from the Brechin premises.
“We aim to continue to deliver a range of healthcare services from the practice and we will do our very best to ensure continuity of care for all patients.
“We would like to reassure the people of Brechin that our absolute priority is to continue to provide primary care services for the local population.”
Dr Watts added: “Patients will remain registered with Brechin Medical Practice after October 1 and there is no need for them to take any further action. Patients will continue to access GP and primary care services at the practice as they do now.
“We will also take the opportunity to look at new ways of delivering care to the locality, including the development of named multi-professional teams working in the community to support people with health needs.
“The team aims to provide care and support in the patient’s own home, which is where the majority of patients tell us they prefer to be treated and, where possible, avoid hospital admission. This new model allows us to work in a more effective way and will make a real difference to patients and their families and we are really looking forward to working with the community and the team in Brechin over the coming months.”
Practice manager Fiona Robertson said: “We recently introduced a new appointment system to help patients access our services whilst we undergo this period of change.
“We now operate an open-access surgery between 8.30am and 10.30am where patients can attend to be seen by a GP or nurse practitioner on a ‘come-and-wait’ basis without the need to call to make an appointment.
“The system is working well and has reduced the number of appointments wasted due to patients not attending. We will continue to monitor progress and will amend the system where appropriate.”