A search has started to find a GP to serve a remote practice where some of the patients are reached by boat.
NHS Highland hopes to recruit a new member of the “rather unique remote and rural” South Skye Practice team, which also provides cover for the Small Isles of Muck, Rum, Eigg and Canna.
Applications have to be submitted by August 21 for the post, which comes with a salary of between £79,017 and £89,070.
The practice is based in two centres in Broadford and Sleat, covering around 2,700 patients.
NHS Highland introduced a new “trailblazing” model of rural health care in 2014, which saw GPs ferried to the Small Isles to provide regular surgeries for the first time.
With no resident doctors on Muck, Rum, Eigg, and Canna, thousands of pounds were being spent on locum cover, but now the health board charters boats to take GPs to the 164 patients.
The advert says the job offers an exciting opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful and popular locations in the Highlands of Scotland.
The health board adds: “Becoming part of this prestigious and innovative team will offer you the exciting opportunity to work in a variety of stunning locations and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities presented by rural practice.”
Kate Earnshaw, NHS Highland district manager for Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross, said the additional post for the team is for up to a year, although it is hoped to make some of the hours permanent at the end of this period.
“Historically we have found it quite difficult to recruit in this area,” she said.
“There have recently been vacancies which have received a lot of interest, but that has not always been the case.
“We have had some interest in this post so far and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and discuss it with us.
“This is an excellent opportunity to join our innovative team, which does bring unique challenges and experiences that come with working in rural practice.
“It’s a very rewarding career and I look forward to hearing from those who are interested in joining our multi-disciplinary team.”
NHS Highland introduced the new care model following extensive discussions over two years with community councils, residents and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
It also looked at models of healthcare delivery in other remote and rural areas both in Scotland and further afield.
The role is currently advertised on the NHS Scotland recruitment site.
