Looking for expressions of interest at #RGPAS19

An update on the work of the Scottish Rural Medicine Collaborative (SMRC) is to be given at a major event for and about rural general practitioners in Scotland.

The Rural GP Association of Scotland (RGPAS) 2019 Conference will be held in the Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness, from today – 7th-9th November, and the collaborative’s programme manager will be there to explain our work and give an update on progress.

Martine Scott and Dr Charlie Siderfin have a 90 minute slot, from 2pm  on 8th November, to brief delegates on the wide range of initiatives in which the SMRC is involved.

She said: “It’s a great opportunity to let delegates – many of whom are key to the delivery of primary healthcare in remote and rural areas – know about the various projects we are testing, or participating in, to enhance GP recruitment and retention in these areas.

“The RGPAS and the collaborative share a common interest and I am looking forward to telling members and delegates how we are working towards the common goal of championing and supporting rural practice in Scotland.”

She added: “I am particularly delighted that the RGPAS has chosen ‘wellbeing’ as the theme of this year’s conference. This is a subject that impacts both on the delivery of healthcare in the areas we cover and on the retention of GPs.

“GPs practising in some of our isolated communities can be subject to particular stresses because of their isolation and it’s great that this event is putting such a stress on their wellbeing.”

Dr Siderfin will be using the event as an opportunity to increase the awareness of the two flagship projects Rediscover the Joy of General Practice and Wanderers and Adventurers. He said, “we are keen to hear from GPs who interested in joining our growing team – in particular those GPs who are thinking about doing something different in 2020”. If you are wanting to know more about any of our activities, please use the expression of interest form and we will be in touch with you very soon”.