Aberlour Medical Practice in public takeover: 'No job losses' pledge and GP service 'fully operational'
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THE manager of Aberlour Medical Practice has handed over the reins to the local health and care partnership, blaming difficulties recruiting GPs.
However, Health and Social Care Moray (HSCM) has urged local patients not to register at other Moray practices, claiming that the Aberlour surgery "remains fully operational".
A public meeting has been arranged for Monday, March 18 between 2pm and 7pm at the village's Fleming Hospital.
Cover will be provided by stand-in GPs alongside existing clinical staff in the interim, according to HSCM, and the practice continues to operate as normal with no job losses expected.
Moray GP practices are independent businesses which have a contract with NHS Grampian for General Medical Services.
HSCM is a partnership between Moray Council and NHS Grampian and is responsible for ensuring the delivery of services to the Aberlour population.
More than 3000 patients are set to receive letters informing them of the change, with some Aberlour addresses receiving them yesterday (February 26).
HSCM confirmed that independent contractor and sole partner at the Aberlour Medical Practice Dr Annabel Ross took the "difficult decision" to end the practice's contract.
Sean Coady, HSCM head of service and deputy chief officer, said planning is underway to "secure a robust and sustainable service to the community going forward."
“We would like to reassure patients that Aberlour Medical Practice remains fully operational and there is no need for them to take any action," he said.
“We have secured cover from locum GPs, some of who will already be familiar to patients, and are providing clinical and management support to the practice’s clinical and office teams who are working as usual.
“We appreciate this is an uncertain time for those registered with the practice and would like to thank the community for its understanding and co-operation during this time of change.
"As we begin to forward plan, we are inviting patients and interested stakeholders to meet with us to share their ideas on the next steps for the practice."
Speyside Glenlivet's three Moray Council members, Councillor Derek Ross (Independent), Councillor Juli Harris (SNP) and Councillor David Gordon (Conservative), issued a joint statement about the public takeover.
The statement reads: “Given the difficulties in recruiting to the practice it’s understandable that Dr Ross felt unable to continue providing general medical services under the existing contract.
"With Health and Social Care Moray stepping in to manage the transition to new management and ensure continuity of access to care and services, we’re reassured that the locum GPs secured and office staff continuing in post means there will be relatively little disruption to patient care.
“That said, all Speyside ward councillors encourage patients in the community to take up the offer of attending the informal engagement session offered to them on 18 March between 2pm and 7pm at the Fleming Hospital.
"This gives the chance to provide feedback for the longer-term planning and sustainability of the practice.
"We wish the team well in managing this transition and appreciate the understanding of patients and constituents during this phase of the practice operations.”
According to HSCM, GP recruitment and retention is a challenge across Scotland and the number of practices and GPs in Grampian has reduced while the list size per GP has increased.
