Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is preparing to launch a new Primary Care Out-of-Hours service model for the Isle of Jura, set to launch in April 2026.
The HSCP has worked closely with the Isle of Jura Primary Care Out-of-Hours Working Group and local residents to shape a model that is safe, resilient and fit for the island’s needs. This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the service meets the specific needs of the community while supporting sustainable healthcare delivery in a remote and rural setting.
The new model for the Isle of Jura has been developed to support both sustainability and efficiency. Since March 2023, interim locum GP arrangements have ensured that a service was delivered while a sustainable, community-informed long-term solution was designed.
The Primary Care Out-of-Hours service in NHS Scotland is a vital service that provides healthcare to the population during non-routine hours. The service is accessible by calling NHS 24 on 111 and operates on an appointment-only basis for urgent medical issues. The service is designed to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care, whether over the phone, via video call, or through an in-person appointment.
Why the service is changing
The previous contractual model proved unsustainable in the long term and reliance on locum doctors is an expensive option which fails to offer continuity to local residents. The HSCP has a responsibility to ensure that safe and effective services are in place for residents, and this new approach is designed to provide a more sustainable and resilient model of urgent care for the island.
How the new model works
The new out-of-hours service will operate during the times when the GP practice is closed: from 6:00pm to 8:00am on weekdays, and throughout weekends and public holidays.
Anyone requiring urgent medical care during these hours should call NHS 111. Calls are free and answered by trained professionals who will assess the situation and ensure patients receive the right care in the right place. The new model will operate differently during summer and winter months, although the method for accessing the service will be the same.
Between October and March, cover will be provided by GPs located on the island. From April to September, the Islay Medical Practice will cover the service remotely. Rigorous planning has been undertaken by the HSCP, and the new model has been agreed by senior managers and clinical leaders within the organisation.
When to call 999
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency, such as:
- chest pain or suspected heart attack
- severe breathing difficulties
- signs of stroke
- severe injury or heavy bleeding
- unconsciousness
In these situations, emergency services should always be contacted directly.
Call 111 if you or someone else:
- needs urgent medical attention that cannot wait until the GP practice reopens
- is unwell and unsure what to do
- needs advice or assessment for a non-life-threatening condition
NHS 111 will provide clinical assessment and advice. If necessary, they will arrange onward care, which may include a call back from a clinician or an in-person assessment.
If a face-to-face assessment is needed
If a clinician determines that a patient needs to be seen face-to-face, arrangements will be made as appropriate to the individual’s clinical needs.
The HSCP will host a drop-in session for community members on Thursday, the 12th March, 4-7 pm in the Winter Garden of the Jura Care Centre. Please do come along if you would like to know more details or have any questions about how the new model will work.
If you are unable to attend the drop-in session but would like additional information, please contact Gillian Neal, Argyll and Bute HSCP Adult Services Manager, Health and Community Care (Kintyre and Islay):
email gillian.neal1@nhs.scot