The health staffing crisis in Brechin is improving according to the latest bulletin from NHS Tayside.
NHS Tayside took over Brechin Health Centre in October and closed the GP ward at the town’s infirmary to bolster cover.
But the board pulled the plug on open sessions due to a further decline in numbers and a lack of locum cover.
However, Dr Michelle Watts, NHS Tayside associate medical director, said staff levels were improving with a new GP joining the practice from the beginning of October.
She said: “GP staffing levels at the practice are improving as we move through August. We are also continuing with our efforts to recruit to the health centre, with some success.
“I am delighted to announce that a new GP, Dr Penny Lockwood, will be joining the practice on a part-time basis from October 1 and we look forward to welcoming her to the health centre.
“We are also finalising the appointment of an advanced nurse practitioner, with a further nurse practitioner post being advertised.
“This will provide three advanced nurse practitioners in Brechin who are highly trained and provide a very complementary role to that of the GPs.”
Dr Watts said a mental health and wellbeing nurse started working in the practice two days per week to support the practice in the management of patients with mental health and wellbeing concerns.
She explained: “As a member of the community mental health team, the nurse can help with concerns such as anxiety, stress and depression. This service will run initially for a six-month trial period.”
Medicine for the Elderly clinics are planned to begin at the end of August to support the assessment and review of our frail elderly patients.
A healthcare chaplain is now attending the practice fortnightly to offer support and a listening ear to all staff.
NHS Tayside is also planning to install a new phone system at the health centre to deal with calls more efficiently.
The interior of the building will also be painted and minor repair works will be carried out including repairing the asphalt at the main entrance.
Following from a successful open day held by the Practice Participation Group in April, a series of patient information events at the health centre over the coming weeks.
Topics, dates and times are still to be finalised but the events will cover issues such as chronic pain and dementia.
The Scottish Government yesterday unveiled plans to tackle a GP staffing crisis by offering £20,000 incentives for doctors to take up roles in hard to recruit areas.
Among the areas to benefit from the scheme is the north of Angus.
