Public meeting over relocating Gravir GP surgery
21 March 2017
Concerns over moving the only doctor’s surgery in Pairc, Lewis, will be aired at a public meeting on Thursday.
Western Isles NHS plans to shift the facility from Gravir into the Kershader Resource Centre, claiming it has “inadequate car parking, is inadequate for those who are less able, and is requiring an increasing amount of planned preventative maintenance.”
A number of people in the area are wary, fearing fear the shift is a “done deal” leading to a diminished service.
The Pairc district hasn’t had its “own” doctor for several years. GP services are provided by the Langabhat Medical Practice.
Opponents say the surgery is purpose built and has served the community for many years.
They maintain parking issues can be resolved while claims about no disabled access are misleading as there is ramp and space for wheelchairs.
Additional parking may also be required at the new location.
Villagers said people in outlying villages will find the proposed change difficult.
Many believe the Kershader building is not suitable for all the GP services currently provided, resulting in a reduced service.
Pairc Community Council is also opposed to the move.
The health board did not respond to inquires last week regarding residents’ fears and the lack of consultation.
However -
The surgery move will be now discussed publicly in Gravir school on Thursday evening under the umbrella of meeting to over purchasing “additional properties in the estate, on behalf of the community.”
The trust has already bought the former care unit in Gravir, with the intention of using it for affordable housing.
The next property under consideration is purchasing the empty Doctor’s House and the attached surgery, also in Gravir.
The resource centre houses a playgroup and occupied offices leaving only a couple of small rooms available to house the doctor’s surgery.
Some locals suggested the move was instigated by the community landlord, Pairc Trust.
However, in its press release, Pairc Trust maintains the health board “expressed
an interest in re-
The trust said: “If this were to happen it would be on a long term rental lease, and this income would assist in covering the running costs” of the resource centre.
An NHS spokesperson said: “We welcome and wish to explore all opportunities to improve the facilities and services provided for patients.”
The spokesperson said the GP’s house in Gravir has been “declared surplus for some time.”
“Working in partnership with the Pairc Trust, and GP practice we have a potentially excellent opportunity here to improve and retain services in the locality.”