Health / Health board seeks to fill four GP vacancies
PERMANENT recruitment of GPs to Shetland remains challenging despite some success with a new “rotational model” introduced two years ago.
NHS Shetland confirmed this week that four posts in rural surgeries remain unfilled although interviews for vacancies in Yell and Unst are planned for next week.
However a vacancy in Bixter has been advertised several times with no interest.
And a new vacancy in Brae from the end of July will be advertised shortly.
A new scheme to attract GPs to work in the north of Scotland on limited short-term contracts has had some positive results.
The Rediscovering the Joy programme offers retired GPs wanting to continue their skills and experience NHS contracts for 12 to 18 months to cover gaps in Scotland’s four northern health boards.
NHS Shetland primary care manager Lisa Watt said recruitment remained challenging.
“We have interest in rotational models but not in people moving permanently to Shetland, with family commitments and accommodation issues being flagged as reasons for not moving here,” she said.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.