Health chiefs have just two months to find new medic as GP prepares to say goodbye

The job vacancy to take over from island doc Simon Willetts, who leaves at the end of October, will be advertised from the start of September giving health bosses just two months to find a replacement.

After a four-year stint, Dr Willetts, who handed in his resignation earlier this summer, is heading back to locum work in Dumfries and Galloway with his practice nurse wife Clare.

The pair arrived on Colonsay in the wake of Covid, just as the first round of vaccines were rolled out and it has been a "uniquely challenging time", he said.

"We staggered off the boat in the wake of Covid, the vaccinations never made it to the surgery they went straight to the hall to the patients. Although no one here died from Covid or were hospitalised, it doesn’t mean there wasn’t any harm done. What with the impact of lockdown, I think because of the enforced distancing, a lot of damage was done - people became even more reserved.

"Of course we had to lead by example, social distancing, and had to be seen sticking to it religiously. The surgery’s service and care of islanders relied on us being here and being in good shape," he told The Oban Times.

Dr Willetts left a busy Dumfries practice with 12,000 patients to take on GP duties on the island that has 130 full-time residents but booms in the holiday seasons.

Their five children had grown-up so it gave them the green light to go off and have an adventure of their own.

"People tend to think a GP in such a remote spot like this has plenty of time on their hands, but it’s really not a case of having the luxury of free time, grabbing a towel and sitting around on a sun lounger on the beach. I might not see many patients in a day but I also have to be the pharmacist, the admin team, do all the financial tasks, get in the supplies, and talk with the NHS, and Scottish Government," said Dr Willetts.

"It’s been a uniquely challenging time but a wonderful challenge. Riding the wave has been interesting. You know when you take on something like this that it is going to be extraordinary. We are both pleased and positive to have been here and done it, but now we are going back to Dumfries and Galloway, back to our old house to start our next chapter.

"It was the first time in our 35 years together that Clare and I had worked together. Before coming here we were like passing ships in the night because of work demands, but after four years of living and working together 24/7 I’m happy to report we arrived together and we’re leaving together!

"I’m not sure we’ll ever come across a place like Colonsay again, so we’re glad to have experienced it."