NHS Highland has begun testing a new walk-in clinic model in Invergordon this week (from 13 July), as part of a carefully managed approach to introducing same day, urgent care in the area.
The service will run on a limited basis initially, opening 12pm-6pm on Monday and Friday at County Community Hospital. The phased approach will allow Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HHSCP) to test the model, understand demand, and ensure the service is safe, effective and sustainable before expanding to 7 day opening between 12-8pm.
The walk-in service is designed to complement existing GP services and will run alongside GP practices in Alness and Invergordon, supporting patients who need same day care for non-emergency conditions. Patients are encouraged to continue using existing NHS services as normal, with the pilot intended to support current service provision rather than replace it.
Locum staffing will be in place from 13 July, working two days a week, while the HHSCP recruits a more permanent staffing model.
Jill Mitchell, Head of Primary Care at NHS Highland, said: "We’re implementing this service on a measured, phased basis so that we can test our systems properly and sustainably build capacity. This approach means we can understand demand and make sure the service works well for patients before we look at how it might grow."
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am delighted the new Invergordon walk-in service will offer patients a new way to access same-day care, complementing existing GP services, within the heart of the local community.
“I’m grateful to NHS Highland for the work they have done to deliver this invaluable service as we know that accessing GP services on the day, and when you need urgent care, can be a source of frustration for many.
“That’s why we are piloting GP-led walk-in services across the country to support with on the day care without an appointment, backed by £36 million of investment, to address the ‘8am rush’ providing more options for people to access the care they need, when they need it.”