Both the SAS and the representatives of our Community Council who were involved when the scheme was set up have always agreed that it would need a minimum of six people to work effectively. At no time has this number been achieved. As a result, a few have borne the burden of keeping this service, which is so vital to our community, alive.
As of the beginning of NewYear 2015, we are likely to be down to two ERs. Since the ERs have to attend emergencies in pairs, this means that these two will be on duty 24/7. This is utterly unacceptable. Not only does it put immense pressure on these two good people, but it means that, if one of them were to resign - and they'd have very good cause to - West Ardnamurchan would be without emergency medical response: we would have to rely on ambulance and paramedic cover from Strontian, over an hour away.
The belated Scottish Ambulance Service reaction to this dire situation has been to publish adverts for Emergency Responders, both locally and nationally. While it might be possible to attract applicants from outside the area - they would have to come and live here - our only real hope for the scheme is that people suitably qualified within the community will apply.
The Community Council is therefore appealing to anyone who has medical qualifications to consider applying for one of the vacant posts. The SAS advert - here - gives full details.
"If you do not hear from us within 4/6 weeks of the closing date, then please consider your application, on this occasion, unsuccessful."
ReplyDeleteThis appears at the end of the advert for new ERs.
What a way to inspire confidence in your prospective employer!!!!!!
why is it not acceptable for emergency responders to be on duty 24/7 when in the past you seemed quite happy for a doctor to flog him or herself to death being on duty 24/7?
ReplyDeleteThere's a simple answer to Anonymous' question. In those days we had a District Nurse on duty in Kilchoan at all times, as part of her contract. She dealt with most call-outs. Only if the case was serious did she call the doctor. But, yes, it's very true that the doctor at that time had a far too heavy workload, which is why the new arrangement planned for Ardnamurchan includes three doctors. A couple of other points. The ERs are, effectively, 'volunteers' from the community (just like the fire brigade and Coastguard) and were contracted on the understanding that there would be a minimum of six of them to share the workload. Finally, as the NHS is finding everywhere, the number of emergency call-outs is going up.
ReplyDeleteIf Kilchoan Community Council had not rented the Nurses Cottage out to someone who does not pay rent they would be in a position to have a local District Nurse and accommodation think back
ReplyDeleteWe are shocked and saddened by this news. I would have hoped the Scottish Ambulance Service would have woken up and got the cover arranged a year ago insted of ignoring the pressures of the front line staff and waiting for the scheme to collapse. We read the blog and think about the community often and we hope everyone stays safe during this crisis. Sam and Leanne Harding
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been sent to me: "The person who commented on the article about The Emergency Responders has got it wrong about the Community Council renting the cottage out. The cottage belonged to the NHS and they sold the cottage to Lochaber Housing."
ReplyDeleteThe ER are on duty 24/7 during their rostered shifts which can run over a number of days on the trot ! Am not too sure where the anonymous comment regarding this got their information.
ReplyDeleteDo we know if they have employed anyone, since the jobs were posted? I would go for it, but you cannot live on that salary alone, especially if you need to move. There should be an idea of another job. Such as emergency nurse practitioner. But I guess like everywhere funding is the issue.
ReplyDelete