Castlebay Medical Practice to move to Health Board management 

NHS Western Isles is currently working through the transition of Castlebay Medical Practice on Barra, from independent GP Practice status, to a Health Board managed and operated Practice. 

This change will take place following the departure of the current GP on Barra, Dr Mark Willcox, who leaves the Practice at the end of this month. 

NHS Western Isles expects that the changeover from an independent to Health Board managed Practice will be smooth, and patients should not notice any change in service, other than a change in GP. All other Practice staff will transfer to Health Board employment.  

From September 1, the Practice will be supported by locum doctors, until substantive GP recruitment options are considered, agreed and concluded. NHS Western Isles is committed to communicating with patients and the public as this work progresses. 

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “NHS Western Isles has put in place a transition team, who will see through the transition of Barra Medical Practice. Members of the team are in Barra at present, to support the Practice staff through this this period of change. The community will see no diminution of service and appointments will remain available for patients throughout the transition. 

“Members of the transition team will continue working on Barra throughout the duration of the transition, prioritising continuity of service for patients, and staff engagement.” 

Mr Jamieson added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Willcox for his service and commitment to the community of Barra, since October 2016. His medical expertise and experience has been appreciated and valued by both patients and NHS Western Isles and I would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”