Workload increases with preventative medicine

Dr Graham Tinto lays down his stethoscope for the final time next week retiring at the end of October after 29 years service as a GP on Arran, when Dr Graeme Thompson takes over.  Tinto took up the post of partner to Dr Michael Starks in 1978. The practice consulted out of Tigh an Iar in Church Lane, Lamlash, and Arnhall Lodge, Whiting Bay. Consultations were also carried out on Wednesdays at The Smithy, Sliddery.

The Arran Banner asked him what have been the biggest changes he has seen in 29 years of Arran practice?

"The advent of computers," he answered. "And the number of staff. When we started out at Tigh an Iar, Jackie Norris was our only and part-time administration member of staff. Now there are11 staff on the payroll, including a practice manager and two practice nurses. The number of patients has not hugely increased, but the workload has increased with the focus on preventative medicine.

"There has also been a shift towards earlier discharge from mainland hospitals, which impacts on the GPs. The needs of a rural community are more wide-reaching and the evolution of medical services has improved the quality for patients."

In August 1987 doctors Tinto, Campbell and Kerr moved from the cramped conditions of Tigh an Iar to a purpose-built medical centre at Arranton, Lamlash.

Construction work has just begun on a new Whiting Bay surgery in Montrose Terrace. ”It is long overdue,” said Graham. "Angus and our practice manager Joyce Beasley have been heavily involved in the design of the new building which will offer an improved service to patients.”

Source: http://www.arranbanner.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/686/Dr_Tinto_will_lay_down_his_stethoscope.html