OFFERING new GPs a “golden hello” will not help solve the doctor recruitment crisis, according to a Clacks physician.
Those willing take up a post in a remote or deprived area could receive a one-off lump sum of £20,000 on top of a salary of £31,000.
The move has been put forth on a number of occasions, but a new scheme from the Scottish Government has been launched to help drive down GP vacancies.
Previous estimates found that more than 25 per cent of Scottish surgeries are operating with vacant posts and the Wee County is no exception.
In March, the Advertiser reported that one of the busiest practices in the area had been struggling to recruit a GP for the last two years.
The Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre has had to bring in locum doctors to cope, having been able to attract someone on a permanent basis.
Dr Kenneth Stirling, whose practice is based out of the Sauchie health centre, feels the cash incentive will do little to tackle the issue.
He said: “This golden hello has been done in Forth Valley before, so it’s nothing new. It’s not about money; throwing money at the problem won’t change anything.
“The problem is that we just don’t have enough [doctors],” he added. “Junior doctors can make a good living at the moment picking and choosing which jobs they want to take and they don’t feel the need to commit to a long-term post as a partner.
“We haven’t had any applicants for the post we have advertised, but we’re always hopeful. We have two locums in place for now, but would be looking to hire two, or possible even three, GPs.
“There are also concerns for the future here as all the partners we have are in their 50s. It’s not quite a crisis as yet, but still very tricky to say the least.”
The government initiative will see 37 trainee GPs who agree to placements in unpopular areas receive the cash on the understanding that they stay there for three years while working towards becoming fully qualified.
From there, it is hoped that many will then remain in the post, and ease the pressures which local practices are faced with.
If the doctor quits before the three year period, they will be expected to repay a proportion of the £20,000.
The government’s health secretary Shona Robison said: “We know there are some parts of the country that have challenges recruiting. So we’re offering a financial incentive with certain posts to fill these places.
“We are also investing in the future of the profession.”
Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s deputy chief medical officer and former GP, added: “Working in general practice can give you a wide and varied career – one in which every day is different and you never know what will come through the door next.
“There are some fantastic opportunities for training available in Scotland.
“Whether that is working in inner city communities or with remote and rural populations, all of this within a flexible and supportive training environment.”