ASSURANCES have been given to patients in Lockerbie and Moffat that the community will be included in the selection of the next GP provider for the towns’ practices.
Senior representatives of NHS Dumfries and Galloway met with Lockerbie and District Community Council and members of the public last week to discuss the implications of Alba Medical Group’s decision to resign from their contract.
Speaking afterwards, NHS director of strategic planning and transformation, David Rowland said: “We explained at the meeting with Lockerbie Community Council that we are keen to ensure as strong community involvement in this as the process allows – and are looking to explore what options are available.
“We have committed to updating the community around these arrangements, and in the meantime are hoping that we will begin to receive expressions of interest from GPs who, as per the national approach, would deliver these services as independent contractors.
“The alternative is for these practices to move back under (health) board control, which does not fit with the tried and tested approach of having independent, GP-led practices within the heart of our local communities.
“We all agreed that there is learning to take from past experiences, including the part that NHS Dumfries and Galloway can play in supporting new providers and local people as the new model beds in.
“We are set to meet with other community councils in the area early in the new year, and will be hoping that we can then make good progress towards securing provision of good quality GP services for these communities.”
