Benbecula Medical Practice is to transfer to health board management next year it has been announced.
“Ongoing challenges” in recruiting GPs and the planned retiral of Dr Mark Johnson at the end of March, the two doctors at the practice have decided to transfer its running to NHS Western Isles.
The changeover will occur in six months, on the first day of April.
In a joint statement, GPs Kate Dawson and Mark Johnson said: “As we hope you will understand, this has been a difficult decision to make.
“We need to ensure that the practice is well-managed in the long term, and in the absence of new GP partners, we are doing this in a planned way, which is in the best interests of patients and staff.”
They will continue running the practice for the next six months.
Patients should not notice any change in services provided.
Dr Kate Dawson will continue working in the practice following the handover, and Dr Johnson may continue to work part time. The medical team will be supported in the short term by locum doctors.
NHS Western Isles said it aims for a smooth transition and maintain continuity of care, high clinical standards, and consistent staffing.
The health board pledged to “preserve and enhance the existing service.”
Current staff will be transferred to NHS Western Isles employment from 1 April.
Island medical practice being taken over by health board
11 October 2023
