News

Following a successful recruitment campaign last year to attract a new team of GPs to the Isle of Barra, NHS Western Isles is now launching a new and exciting opportunity for Rural Acute GPs to join the healthcare team on the unique, safe and idyllic location of Uist and Benbecula.

NHS Western Isles has this week launched a new campaign to recruit a team of new Rural Acute GPs to join the healthcare team on Uist and Benbecula. 

The posts provide a rare opportunity for a group of new GPs with a sense of adventure and passion for remote and rural medicine to escape the rat race and embrace a more healthy work-life balance. 

These new roles, which cover both a new 2c Benbecula Medical Practice and Uist and Barra Hospital, offer a 40 per cent enhanced rate above the GP Doctor Grade, whilst also providing the opportunity to live and work on one of Britain’s most beautiful and idyllic locations. To further add appeal, successful applicants will get relocation expenses to assist with a move to Uist, as well as up to a £10,000 Golden Hello payment.  

NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Frank McAuley, said: “We are delighted to present a very exciting opportunity for a new team of at least five GPs to escape the rat race and practice medicine in idyllic surroundings, where you will become a true member of a community and have the opportunity to shape local community services.

“From the fishing port of Lochmaddy in the north; to the shimmering beaches of Lochboisdale in the South, the Isles of Uist and Benbecula offer a warm welcome and are teeming with life, activity and culture.”

The posts will be based in Benbecula Medical Practice, an island scattered with lochs and lochans, endless sea and spectacular seascapes and surroundings. The post holders will be able to use and further develop their skills and experience through the provision of community hospital medical cover, which is also part of this role. Uist and Barra Hospital (Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh) is a 17-bed community hospital, where the wider team prides itself in providing gold-standard care for patient

Dr McAuley added: “These roles will appeal to experienced GPs, but also those earlier in their careers looking for the challenge of widening their clinical skills and providing holistic care in a remote but supported environment. These are roles that present excellent opportunities for the development of skills and confidence, with the remote-island location providing an unrivalled extra sense of responsibility and reward.” 

Whilst the posts themselves present an opportunity for medics to expand their skills and experience through both hospital and GP Practice work, the unique, picturesque and historical location, is hoped to appeal to GPs looking to improve their work-life balance.  

With a closing date of 7^th March, NHS Western Isles hopes to be able to appoint to these posts as soon as possible, so that the local population has a sustainable and stable service. The new GPs will join a strong and dedicated team of clinical staff already resident on Uist and Benbecula. 

“We have a strong team in place, both on island and remotely, to provide support and guidance,” said Dr McAuley. “This is a positive challenge and an opportunity to embrace a new way of working, a chance to grow your skills and experiences and to take a positive step towards a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.” 

The vacancy details are available at: NHS Scotland | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career – Job Information | Apply for Rural GP – Uist and Benbecula

Anyone interested in the posts are invited to contact Dr McAuley on 01851 708050 or email francis.mcauley@nhs.scot.