Wishart reveals empty GP post advertised nine times

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart has today revealed, following a Freedom of Information request, that a vacant Lerwick GP post has been advertised nine times.

The full-time post has received four applications over the nine advertisements. Applicants were ineligible to apply as they were not on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP register. The position is currently being covered by locums.

Five other GP posts across the Shetland health board were vacant while only two posts were re-advertised, the Lerwick post nine times and another post three times with no applications.

The FOI also revealed that one of the vacant posts has been unfilled for a year.

Ms Wishart has previously raised a long-term vacant post at the Hillswick practice which, after two years, has recently been filled.

Ms Wishart said:

“Recruitment and retention of GPs and healthcare workers in Shetland is difficult as these findings show. Shetland needs a sufficiently covered healthcare service to ensure everyone can receive the care they need.

“These recruitment difficulties will be contributing to the delays people tell me they are experiencing when trying to get an appointment at Lerwick Health Centre.

“We should look at the wider issues limiting the attraction of working in the isles, such as housing whether for local people or for anyone looking to move here.

“The Scottish Government must work with communities so that infrastructure such as housing is available in island and rural areas, and for Shetland a new hospital.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Ms Wishart’s question in the Chamber on the Hillswick practice in May 2023 can be found here.