West Lothian will see almost 12,000 new homes built within the next seven years, putting even greater pressure on GP and primary care services across the county.
An audit of existing GP surgeries has just been completed covering all 22 practices to identify what works, and what needs improvement, the West Lothian Integration Joint Board heard at its June meeting.
West Lothian’s Health and Social Care Partnership (WLHSCP) generally scores better than other areas in the country in developing primary and secondary services.
A report by Neil Ferguson, General Manager Primary Care and Community Services, WLHSCP said: “WLHSCP was noted to be a front runner in promoting allied roles for GP practices. These support services are greatly appreciated.”
Mr Ferguson added: “West Lothian has one of the fastest growing populations in Scotland. In response to demand, strategic growth is expected along key transport routes; M8, M9 and rail corridors.
“Planned housing development indicates that 11,685 dwellings are programmed to be built in West Lothian over the next seven years from 2020 to 2021 to 2026 to 2027.
Public Health Scotland reported last year that in the east cluster, East Calder (29 per cent), Ferguson (21 per cent), Linden (16 per cent) and The Wood (15 per cent) are predicted to see the largest increase in GP list size.
“In the west cluster, West Calder (13 per cent), Blackridge (13 per cent), Lanrigg (12 per cent), Ashgrove (12 per cent) and Whitburn (12 per cent) are predicted to see the largest increase in GP list size.
The report said: “Survey responses were received from all 22 GP practices, as well as 13 community teams. The feedback reflected varied independent viewpoints. Overall, the respondents were pleased to be asked to give feedback and for the opportunity to contribute to strategy development. In addition to general practice demographics and staffing levels, the audit requested feedback relating to three key areas, namely systems used, buildings/premises and “the future of primary care.”
The main challenges lie around the existing infrastructure such as buildings and IT systems, and whether they have the capacity to develop and expand to meet growing demand.
Demand is particularly acute in the east of the county, but no area is without problems.
As highlighted earlier this year, Armadale in the far west of the county has a practice designed for 10,000 patients with 13,000 on its books in a town that is growing with new housing.
Councillor Tom Conn asked if there had been contact with Winchburgh where demand was growing rapidly as the village transformed into a new town.
“The village or town surgery is facing growing pressure and there has been talk about a partnership that would include new GP facilities”, he said.
The meeting was told that discussions were ongoing between the council and NHS Lothian about future provision but existing practices in Winchburgh had responded to the survey.
Of the respondents only five practices report no building challenges.
Nine practices report daily challenges with room availability.
Common challenges include: ongoing social distancing and infection control guidelines; cramped patient waiting areas; space for waste storage; inadequate ventilation; lack of garden space for staff wellbeing; outdated signage and inadequate windows/daylight in some areas.
Other practices highlighted little room to expand parking facilities for staff or patients.
Mr Ferguson told the meeting that the results of the survey would provide a basis for developing strategies of healthcare provision and service development.
He added: “This information is vital to help to coordinate, prioritise and monitor HSCP support mechanisms for the GP practices of West Lothian. The resulting risk matrix management tool is intended to be a fluid document to inform operational and strategic planning.
“Following this recent premises audit, practices highlighted varying levels of concern regarding ‘buildings’ with East Calder, Linlithgow, Whitburn and Blackridge generally showing higher levels of concern than other practices.”
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