BENBECULA MEDICAL PRACTICE TO TRANSER TO HEALTH BOARD MANAGEMENT IN APRIL 2024:
Posted 11th October 2023 2:40pm
Due to ongoing challenges recruiting GPs to work at Benbecula Medical Practice, and the planned retiral of Dr Mark Johnson at the end of March 2024l the GP partners at the practice have taken the decision to transfer the running of the practice to NHS Western Isles from April 2024,
Patients should not notice any change in the NHS services provided. Dr Kate Dawson will continue working at the practice, and Dr Johnson may continue to work part time. The medical team will be supported in the short term by locum doctors.
The practice and NHS Western Isles will ensure patients and the public are kept up-to-date with any changes. The key principles are to maintain continuity of care, high clinical standards and consistent staffing. We would like to reassure all patients that the aim is to preserve and enhance the existing service. For more information, please download the press statement prepared by the practice and the health board.
Practice Press Statement
MEASLES
There is an outbreak of measles in the UK at present. We ask that you phone ahead to inform the surgery if you have a fever and a rash, to avoid putting other patients at risk. If you have had contact with a case of measles, and have not been vaccinated, you may be at risk. If you have a rash, you will be contageous for 4 or more days after the rash appeared. For more information, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/measles/
COVID & FLU VACCINATIONS:
If you would like a vaccine but have not been contacted, please call 0808 196 8383 or email wi.covidvax@nhs.scot as soon as possible. The lines are busy so please keep trying. The vaccination team will be arranging home visits to those that are unable to attend the clinics. If you are an unpaid carer for someone whose welfare depends on your help, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister or contact the surgery to register. There is more information on nhsinform.scot
IT IS OK TO ASK:
For any treatment, work out what suits you. Ask yourself and your doctor:
- Benefits - what are the benefits of my treatment plan?
- Risks - what are the risks from my treatment plan?
- Alternatives - are there any other ways of managing my problem?
- Nothing - what happens if we do nothing?
For more information, please visit NHS inform - realistic medicine. One of the partners, Dr Dawson, will be working with the Scottish Health Council to see if we can develop a model that will bring these policies to life in a community health care setting. She is writing a blog about her views on realistic medicine and her project.