The search for a GP to run Bargarran Medical Practice in Erskine has begun, writes Jack Thomson

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) took the practice under their direct supervision in March, following the resignation of Dr John-Paul O’Sullivan.

It was decided at a meeting in late April to take steps towards tendering for a new contractor, with the procurement process now under way. It is expected to run until October.

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An interview panel will be formed, which will consist of non-executive members of the health board, a local clinical director, a representative of the local area medical committee and a patient representative. 

The panel will shortlist applications and conduct the interviews, before making a recommendation to the chief executive as to how the new contract should be allocated.

During the transition period since Dr O’Sullivan’s departure in January, patients at the practice have been seen by locum GP cover.

Dr O’Sullivan had told patients in a letter that staffing problems had deepened. 

In the letter, issued on January 17, he explained: “The past six months have been an extremely challenging time and I’m afraid we have been unsuccessful in recruiting any new long-term GPs to work in the practice.

“There is, unfortunately, a national shortage of GPs in Scotland at this present time and this situation has compounded our recruitment difficulties locally.

“Our staffing problems have unfortunately deepened over recent months and as a consequence I have submitted my resignation to the health board with a great deal of sadness because my position as lead GP has become unsustainable.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all the patients and staff of Bargarran Medical Practice who I’ve worked with over the past four years.”

Dr John-Paul O’Sullivan was the fourth GP to quit the practice in less than two years.

Sam Mullin, chairman of Erskine Community Council, has said all of the practices in the town are under pressure. 

He said: “Every doctor surgery in Erskine is inundated and they have a backlog of people waiting for appointments. 

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“People are suffering and our community is suffering. We need doctors in our communities. 

“That side of Bargarran has an elderly population and with age comes health issues, so we need some positive movement now.”

If the health board and HSCP fail to appoint a new contractor, alternative arrangements would need to be considered. 

This could include dispersing patients, allocating patients to an existing contractor or keeping the practice under health board and HSCP supervision.

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