By Gareth Iacobucci
A GP in the Outer Hebrides has launched a nationwide appeal to try and appoint a successor to take on what he terms 'one of the toughest practices in Britain.'
Dr David Bickle plans to retire from his practice on the Isle of Barra in two years and said he is desperate to find the right GP to serve the entire population of 1,200 inhabitants on the island.
Dr Bickle has had no luck to date advertising to find a successor to care for his patients, and is anxious to find someone as soon as possible.
He said his plea was motivated by his desire not to see the practice handed over to the Scottish health board, which he fears could threaten patients' continuity of care
Dr Bickle told Pulse: ‘The doctor I am looking for will have a broad experience in medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, psychiatry, obstetrics and paediatrics.'
‘They will have to be confident dealing with emergencies and not mind the on call rota of one in two. As well as this they will have to be able to cope with the isolation and what is known as the goldfish bowl effect of everybody knowing your business.'
‘The other side of the coin is there is a strong sense of community on the island; there is also the opportunity to practise traditional medicine with an excellent dedicated team.'
The GP will serve all 1,200 people on the remote Isle of Barra The GP will serve all 1,200 people on the remote Isle of Barra Get in touchGPs who think they are up to the challenge can contact Dr Bickle at djbickle2@doctors.org.uk.
Life as a GP in the Outer HebridesTo read Dr Bickle's description of life as a GP on the Isle of Barra, please click here.
