Introduction:
As the result of changes made necessary by the new contract between GPs and the Government, negotiated by the BMA,
Out of Hours working for general practitioners is due to change. NHS Highland intends to provide a service which is
inappropriate for a community like ours which, although on mainland Scotland, is extremely remote.
At present, the Applecross practice is covered by the local GP and a part time Associate, both of whom are resident
within the practice area when on call. The new proposed arrangements would mean that, for most of the time, the practice
would be covered out of hours by GPs based in Lochcarron and Torridon, and who are not resident on the Peninsula. The
Applecross GP would, while on call, be required to cover these two practices as well as Applecross. This obviously has
implications for the safety of the GP who will have to drive over the Bealach na Ba.
The driving time between the practices gives cause for concern also because it will inevitably mean the time for GP
attendance will be dramatically increased.
The new GP contract accepts that there may be certain exceptional geographical circumstances where there is no reasonable
alternative to Out of Hours cover being provided by the practice GP. It also states that, for practices which are unable
to opt out due to specific geographical circumstances, additional support will be available from the Primary Care
Organisation.
Applecross has exceptional circumstances due to its geographical location and difficult access and should, therefore,
merit special consideration for the provision of Out of Hours medical cover.
Location
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