‘Blunt but constructive’ talks have been held over the future of the GP out-of-hours service at the Vale of Leven Hospital.
A joint statement was issued today by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and campaign group Hospitalwatch after the meeting.
Jim Moohan, chairman of Hospitalwatch, said: “Hospitalwatch group had a blunt but overall constructive discussion with senior management.
“The commitment by management to the out of hours GP service at the Vale was critical to the outcome of the discussion held.
“It was confirmed again that no one would be refused medical attention at the Vale of Leven. However, due to COVID-19 it is advisable to contact NHS24 first.
“We shall continue to meet with the health board to improve service provision.”
Earlier this month the health board announced it was making the service at the Alexandria hospital appointment-only.
And today chief operating officer Jonathan Best said: ““We are absolutely committed to the provision of a sustainable and robust GP out-of-hours service for West Dunbartonshire.
“The meeting was constructive and the views of the local community were clearly articulated through Hospitalwatch.
“It is important to note that, despite inevitable changes in the way the health service operates in the context of COVID-19, services will be maintained at the Vale of Leven.
“The hospital plays a vital role in the provision of healthcare to the West Dunbartonshire community and the medical assessment unit and the minor injuries unit will continue to provide excellent services to patients as normal.
“These services work alongside the overnight GP out-of-hours service which remains in place seven nights’ a week. We are working with local GPs to provide a solution to extend that overnight service as soon as possible.”
On the move to an appointment-based system, Susan Manion, interim chief officer of the health board’s GP Out-of-Hours, added: “Phoning NHS24 on 111 to make an appointment will reduce waiting times for patients and allow GPs to manage their workload more effectively.
“It is a key step towards stabilising the GP out-of-hours service in this area. The service will improve access to healthcare for the local community, giving patients more opportunities to be seen by a GP either in person, over the phone, or by video consultation.
“As a result, many people will not have to leave their homes to receive care and our patient transport system and GP home visiting services continue to operate as normal in the event someone needs to see a doctor but cannot access transport.
“Because we are introducing social distancing and other measures to deal with the COVID pandemic, we do not advise turning up at the hospital without an appointment but if it is an emergency, people will be seen.
“We’d like to thank Hospitalwatch for their time this week and provide assurance we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure we’re able to effectively discuss local requirements and concerns to inform decisions and communications now, and in the future.”
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