The remote communities of Mallaig and Arisaig will be without their own GP from the end of March – unless a recruitment drive by NHS Highland proves successful.
The current GP at Mallaig and Arisaig Medical Practice, Dr Iain Gartshore, has advised the health authority of his intention to leave the practice – a year after his colleague quit in acrimonious fashion.
NHS Highland said it appreciated the departure of Dr Gartshore, who will be joining another practice within the board area, would be a concern for the local community, patients and members of staff.
It is the health board’s intention to retain Malliag and Arisaig as an independent practice and they will therefore be advertising the post as vacant this month.
Health chiefs believe it may, however, take several months to secure a new provider.
From April 1, they have pledged to ensure there is adequate locum medical cover in place and will continue to employ the current practice staff.
NHS Highland’s area manager Ross Mackenzie said: “I would like to reassure patients and the public that we will continue to provide a high quality service from the practice and everyone will be kept fully informed regarding permanent developments.
“Over the next three months, our primary care team will be working closely with Dr Gartshore and his practice team to ensure the transitional arrangements are as smooth as possible and that changes are adequately communicated.”
Last year Dr Gartshore blamed NHS cuts for forcing his colleague, Dr Katrina Geissel to quit the practice and move to Ullapool in Wester Ross.
He claimed a pot of NHS cash used to pay locums for holiday cover had dramatically dropped from £45,000 to £15,000 in the last three years.
At that time, the practice advertised for a replacement on an initial £68-£75,000 one-year contract, with an additional £10,000 Golden Hello and £5,000 relocation package.
The practice has more than 1,800 patients.
