Surgery petition

Lis Drew, one of the villagers behind the petition, said: “The fear is the health board just want to leave South Lochs altogether.”

She queried the logic in the cash-strapped health authority moving out of a rent-free property they already own and start paying for a lease for smaller, less suitable premises with parking issues.

Door-to-door canvassing for the petition was halted out of respect following a death in the village last week but the large number of people who signed within days of the issue becoming known “indicates the strength of feeling” amongst the community, said Ms Drew.

Villagers fear the shift is a “done deal” leading to a diminished service which will eventually be axed.

The district hasn’t had its “own” doctor for several years. GP services are provided by the Langabhat Medical Practice in Leurbost, seven miles from Stornoway.

Opponents maintain parking issues can be resolved while claims about no disabled access are misleading as there is ramp and space for wheelchairs.

In any case, additional parking may also be required at the new location, they say.

Many believe the Kershader building is not suitable for all the GP services currently provided, resulting in a reduced service.

Pairc Community Council also opposes the move.

As part of its strategy to develop affordable housing in the area, Pairc Trust proposes buying the empty Doctor’s House and the attached surgery.

It is also on course to buy the council-owned resource centre at Kershader which houses a playgroup and occupied offices, leaving only a couple of small rooms available for a doctor’s surgery.

Pairc Trust said the rental income from a relocated surgery would help cover the running costs of the resource centre.

A NHS spokesperson said: “We welcome and wish to explore all opportunities to improve the facilities and services provided for patients.”

“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.”

Community petition against doctor’s surgery plan

23 March 2017

A petition has been launched against the proposed move of a GP surgery in Pairc.

Around 150 of the 400 or so residents in the district have signed the document.

Residents will grill health board representatives at a public meeting tonight (Thurs).

Western Isles NHS plans to shift the facility from Gravir into the Kershader Resource Centre, within the district, claiming it has “inadequate car parking, is inadequate for those who are less able, and is requiring an increasing amount of planned preventative maintenance.”