Talks to give patients a bigger say in running of Musselburgh's medical practices

The idea of a patient participation group was mooted at a meeting of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, after Eskbridge Medical Practice, now under NHS management, came under fire for its ‘Phone First’ appointment system this year.

A recent meeting took place involving representatives from all three practices based at the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Scottish Health Council, community council and Musselburgh Area Partnership.

They agreed that “the idea of a patient participation group be developed” and further discussions will be held in January.

Dr Jonathan Turvill, clinical director with the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to improving the quality of our services and ensuring that they are planned and delivered locally in a way that is engaged with our communities.

“Groups like this have an important role in working with us to achieve this commitment.”

The Eskbridge Medical Practice, taken into direct management by the partnership a year ago, was criticised for its booking system, whereby patients have to leave their name and number via telephone and are called back by a doctor.

The practice was previously independently managed by its GP partners. It has about 8,800 patients on its books and supports five care homes in the Musselburgh area. The move was prompted by pressures on the practice arising from national difficulties in recruiting GPs.

A spokesman for East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership said: “East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has implemented a Care Home Team, working out of Eskbridge, which offers a new way of supporting these five care homes. The Care Home Team is a nurse-led team that includes advanced nurse practitioners with additional training in assessment and treatment. The team is the first point of contact for the five care homes and works in concert with the Eskbridge GPs.

“Riverside are lead practice for St Anne’s Care Home.”

Irene Tait, chairwoman of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, said the formation of a patient participation group was the way forward.

She added: “Sitting round a table with your local medical professionals being vocal about health concerns for your area can only be a good thing.”

While Stuart Baxter, area partnership manager, added: “The Musselburgh Area Partnership actively encourage community participation and fully support the setting up of the patient participation group, which I am sure will benefit both the patients and the medical practices.”