Dr Mike Coates is NHS Lanarkshire’s new clinical director for its primary care out of hours service.
He said: “I am delighted to be the primary care out of hours service’s new clinical director. I have worked within the service since 2016 and have formed strong working relationships with all those involved.
“We are a hard-working and dedicated multi-disciplinary team, and I feel privileged to be taking up an extended role as we continue to develop as an integral part of NHS Lanarkshire’s whole system.
“I have been a vocational trainer and a mentor for colleagues undertaking training in non-medical prescribing. I am a great advocate of trauma informed care and am a qualified trainer for the Solihull Approach. I also sign Makaton.”
Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire, has executive responsibility for the primary care out of hours service.
“The primary care out of hours service is a key part of our Lanarkshire-wide urgent care arrangements. The service has evolved in response to ongoing high levels of demand and the learning gained through the pandemic. This is to the credit of our committed team and the leadership of their outgoing clinical director, Dr Iain Hathorn,” said Soumen.
“Mike brings a wealth of experience throughout his many years within NHS Lanarkshire, and we are delighted to welcome him into his new leadership role.”
Mike graduated in 1999 from University of Glasgow and qualified as a GP in 2004. He has worked exclusively within NHS Lanarkshire ever since, first of all in general practice for 12 years. As well as being part of the primary care out of hours team for the last six years, Mike has also taken on roles in the drugs and alcohol service and the NHS Lanarkshire flow navigation centre.
Mike is also the deputy clinical lead for realistic medicine and has special interests in communication, medical education and helping patients with additional support needs.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with family and has a passion for motorsports and graphic novels.
