Woodstock Medical Centre practice in Lanark has given notice to end their General Medical Services (GMS) contract with NHS Lanarkshire.

As set out in the terms of the contract, the practice has provided six months’ notice and a contract end date has been agreed for 6 April 2020. NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership are currently working with the GPs and staff at the practice to ensure that new arrangements will be in place by this point to provide patient care.

Staff at the practice are protected under employment regulations which means their jobs are safe.

In the meantime, the practice will continue to operate as normal, with the continued support of NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
Dr Linda Findlay medical director for the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP) said: “I appreciate that this has not been an easy decision for the GP partners to make and would like to thank them and all the team at the practice for the health care they have provided to their patients.

“We fully understand the difficulties facing many GPs across the country and work is ongoing on at a national and local level to address this.

“Work is already underway to ensure that new arrangements are in place to provide GP and healthcare services for the local community. We will update patients on developments as soon as we possibly can. Meantime it is business as usual and patients should continue to contact their practice as normal if they need help or advice.”