The house-building boom around East Calder has thrown a spotlight on an issue that communities across West Lothian are facing - GP services cannot keep up with growing communities .
In the latest report to the Integration Joint Board, the Health and Social Care Partnership chief officer acknowledged that East Calder’s medical practice “continues to face pressures as a consequence of extensive house building in the area, population growth and premises challenges.”
Proposals for a new building on the site of the existing centre came out of public consultation last year and funding for a new build will be sought from the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: West Lothian patients 'struggle for GP appointments' despite improved service
The Health and Social Care partnership in West Lothian has also applied for Holyrood funding to improve other practice sites across the county, from Blackridge in the west to Winchburgh in the east.
East Calder, as with Winchburgh, is the site of major housing developments not yet matched with improved primary health care.
In her latest report on the East Calder practice Alison White the Chief Officer said that "significant engagement" had taken place with the community.
She added: “Based on the results of the engagement, a feasibility study was undertaken recently. Following on from that, there is a requirement by the Scottish Government to undertake an options appraisal to inform an outline business case which will be considered by NHS Lothian's Capital Investment Group.
“Workshops with key stakeholders have been held this month to reassess all options. The outcome of the assessment will be incorporated in the business case with a recommendation on the preferred way forward.”
Community councils across West Lothian first raised the issues of failing GP provision more than 18 months ago and called on NHS Lothian and the council’s planners to place more emphasis on health care infrastructure when determining new housing applications.
Pinch points have long been obvious in towns such as Armadale- where a practice built for 10,000 patients now has in excess of 13,000.
There are also issues in Bathgate and Livingston. Community councils such as Bathgate and Eliburn in Livingston have objected to new housing plans arguing that existing medical facilities cannot cope with - with little success.
In a report to the H&SCP in June last year 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."
While primary care support packages are improving it is the infrastructure such as outdated buildings and IT systems which is causing problems for patients seeking a doctor.
At the April meeting of the IJB Labour’s Councillor Andrew McGuire voiced the complaints of many of his constituents. He cited his frustration, and that of the public in trying to get a doctor’s appointment: “I have to phone like everybody else at 8 o’clock in the morning to access treatment”.
“Is there an opportunity for consultation in the future with members of the public or a way that local independent GP practices can start to engage better with the people that they seek to represent."
