GPs won’t be providing out-of-hours hospital cover
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PLANS to provide out-of-hours cover at Caithness General seem to have suffered a setback after it was confirmed local GPs will not be taking part.
But NHS Highland insisted “the proposed model was never reliant on local GPs”.
However, as reported earlier this month, a letter was sent to Caithness doctors asking if they would be willing to help out, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday nights between 6pm and 8am.
A meeting took place between the health authority and Caithness GPs a fortnight ago but it was not about out-of-hours cover, according to NHS Highland area manager Bob Silverwood.
“We invited Caithness GPs, practice managers and practice nurses to get an update on some of the redesign work in the hospital such as the proposed introduction of an acute admissions unit. It was also an opportunity for general sharing of information,” he said.
“The meeting took place two weeks ago and was attended by three GPs, various practice managers and nurses as well as staff in Caithness General. I thought it was an excellent meeting, informal and informative and we plan to hold these every two months or so.
“This meeting was not about out-of-hours cover in Caithness General but I can confirm that local GPs will not be providing any cover,” said Mr Silverwood in response to questions raised by the Courier.
NHS Highland’s clinical director for the north and west areas, Dr Paul Davidson, who wrote the letter to the local GPs, said: “The proposed model of senior medical cover for Caithness General was never reliant on local GPs but we did not wish to exclude them from being involved should they wish to do so.
“We are still working on the final detail of the medical cover for the coming months which will be supported from consultant physicians and surgeons and other practitioners from Raigmore and other parts of NHS Highland and which will also satisfy any requirements from NHS Education Scotland (NES),” he said.
NES is an independent body – responsible to the General Medical Council – which assesses if junior doctors are getting the appropriate supervision from consultants. It paid a visit to the Wick hospital on February 13. The body has the power to withdraw junior doctors if they are not in “an appropriate training environment”.
At present, Caithness General only has five of its 12 consultant posts filled.
Dr Emma Watson, director of medical education for NHS Highland, said: “NES could withdraw the junior doctors from Caithness General if they are not satisfied with the arrangements in place or if they are not confident NHS Highland could address any concerns. I am confident that we will be able to address any concerns and I anticipate hearing back from NES this week with any recommendations and next steps.”
Regarding a complaint that NHS Highland management draw up plans without consulting staff, Mr Silverwood replied: “Staff are consulted and actively involved in proposing and making changes and there are many opportunities for this to happen.”
