Following completing my FY2 year in Ayrshire, I worked in Melbourne for 4 years. On my return to Scotland, I chose to return to Ayrshire for my GP training.
I trained at The Cathcart Street Practice in Ayr, a supportive practice of motivated and forward-thinking GPs. Training in Ayrshire offers a wide variety of hospital specialties to choose from with excellent education sessions allowing regular catch ups with your peers whilst gaining GP focussed teaching and exam preparation.
Following my GP training I had the opportunity to work in a GP with extended role post in Ayrshire in which I worked between Kilwinning Medical Practice and the Ayrshire Hospice. This was an excellent opportunity to further my confidence in GP in a supportive training practice and allowed me to develop my knowledge and skills in palliative care. It also allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the Health Board and build relationships with primary and secondary care teams.
My training and extended role post in Ayrshire allowed me to appreciate the benefits of working in this Health board. There are two excellent District General Hospitals, with all the services available to fully support patients, but the smaller size of the Health Board allows excellent communication between primary and secondary care and enables you to feel part of a larger team and that your voice can be heard. The Health Board also covers urban and rural areas with a wide socio-demographic patient group, keeping the work varied and interesting.
I have now returned as a Partner to my training practice at Cathcart Street and I am also the GP Clinical Lead in Ayrshire and Arran for Cancer and Palliative Care. I have supportive, dynamic, sociable, and hardworking colleagues which makes for a much better day at work. We are led by a driven LMC, who ensure we are well supported and have access to a diverse and experienced multi-disciplinary team. Having embarked on two new roles at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I have been impressed with how NHS Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care Team and LMC have managed this. Our management team are front facing, approachable and happy to take feedback and respond and adapt to issues. I am confident I have made the right decision to work here and look forward to continuing my career here. I have recently moved to South Ayrshire from Glasgow, and I am loving the lifestyle and access to the beach.
