West Lothian is set to bid for NHS funding to improve GP facilities at four practices which are bursting at the seams.
All four, stretching from Blackridge in the west to Winchburgh in the east, have seen growing patient lists in recent years, with new housing developments placing even more pressure on facilities.
The bids follow an audit of primary healthcare facilities carried out in 2021 and aim to increase treatment space for patients. The Integration Board has agreed to seek more information before making a final submission.
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In a report to the Integration Joint Board, Neil Ferguson, General Manager, Primary Care and Community Services said: “Some of the smaller building improvements identified can be met from existing resources but others require significant capital investment from the Scottish Government.”
The report added: “West Lothian has one of the fastest growing populations in Scotland. Planned housing development indicates that 11,685 dwellings are programmed to be built in West Lothian over the next seven years from 2020/21 to 2026/27.
"Population growth is the main factor contributing to the strain on general practice and primary care within West Lothian.”
Most at risk is the Barbauchlaw Medical Practice covering Armadale and Blackridge. The report said this is the top priority for investment.
The report detailed: “The medical practice has two sites at Armadale and Blackridge providing services for a combined list of 17,000 patients. Significant population growth has occurred within Armadale and Blackridge and is expected to grow by 13% over eight years making this practice West Lothian’s most at risk for this reason.
"The Armadale site runs at capacity and relies on Blackridge to balance demand. Refurbishments have been required to increase clinic and administration spaces on several occasions at both sites over previous years.”
Armadale’s Independent Councillor Stuart Borrowman has long questioned the support for new housing without extra NHS investment in medical facilities. Last year he was critical of the lack of response to planning applications which sought the views of the NHS.
He told the Local Democracy reporting Service: “The local surgeries are toiling. In Armadale that includes being cramped for space but the main issue is patients’ inability easily to contact the practices and to book appointments.
“My constituents recognise that staff are working hard but are struggling to cope with demand.
“The NHS seems to have no answers save to divert some of the demand to pharmacies and the internet."
The other priority sites identified in the report are:
Almond Group Practice. The practice has two sites at Winchburgh and Kirkliston providing services for a combined list of 10,000 patients. In addition to recent population growth, the local area expects a further 14% growth over eight years, the highest in West Lothian except for East Calder which is expected to see a new build.
Whitburn Medical Group. The group runs from Whitburn Health centre where primary care and community services are provided. The site runs at capacity and is significantly challenged regarding access for staff, patients, and deliveries. The building infrastructure needs upgraded, specifically in relation to consulting rooms, treatment rooms and amenities.
Howden Health Centre. The health centre is in the grounds of St John’s Hospital. Howden Medical Group and community services are provided in Howden Health Centre. The site runs at capacity and is significantly challenged regarding accommodation for GP and community staff, patients, and more recently decanted staff from St John’s Hospital. The building infrastructure needs upgrade and would significantly improve the car parking on St John’s site if relocated.
Mr Ferguson’s report concluded: “The Integration Joint Board is asked to approve submission of these to the NHS Lothian Primary Care Initial Agreement Programme Board. The Board is also asked to agree to the priorities being included in the overall NHS Lothian submission to the Scottish Government for capital funding.”
A West Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) spokesperson said: “The board have requested more detailed information on factors affecting Primary Care Premises Capital Investment Priorities. This will be considered at the IJB meeting on 21 March, as the board may wish to change the approved submission.”
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