Work taken forward to re-establish independent GP practice in Whithorn

Work is underway to see a GP practice in Whithorn re-established under its own authority, and no longer managed by the Health Board.

Southern Machars Practice is currently what is referred to as a 2C practice, which means that the responsibility for the day-to-day running of this practice sits with the NHS Dumfries and Galloway Health Board and not, as is the normal model, with the practice itself.

Head of Primary Care Services Linda Bunney said: “This arrangement at Southern Machars Practice came about at a time when the practice wasn’t in a position to manage itself, and NHS Dumfries and Galloway stepped in to take on that role.

“I’m pleased to say that the process of seeing the practice back under its own management is now underway, and details on the contract will now be advertised on the national contracts portal.

“NHS Dumfries and Galloway regards the move to re-establish this practice in the hands of independent contractors as a very positive development, recognising that this will place it in line with the majority of other GP practices within the region.”

Updates will be provided as this work continues in the hope of a fast and positive outcome.