Student Information
Ionad-leigheis Cholbhasaidh
This remote island practice is based at the surgery on the island of Colonsay, which is in the Inner Hebrides some 35miles south west of Oban. The islands of Colonsay and its smaller neighbour, Oronsay are approximately 10 miles long by 3 miles wide. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with wild landscapes, dramatic seascapes, big skies and remote beaches with crystal clear water. There is abundant wildlife and the islands are particularly known for their varied birdlife. The resident population is approximately 140 people, increasing to more than 600 with visitors to the island during the tourist season. Employment on the islands is mainly in farming, crofting, fish farming, estate work and tourism.
The island has an hotel (Open between March and October), a shop, a post office, a brewery, an air strip, a golf course, 1 church (Ecumenical - all welcome) and a primary school which at present has 5 pupils. Secondary school pupils travel weekly to Oban. The island is associated with two different brands of gin.
The surgery is based in purpose built premises about 1/4 mile from the pier in Scalasaig, one of the two main settlements on the island. There is a single-handed GP and one Practice nurse supported by one part-time practice administrator. Community services are provided by a Community Nurseand Community Health Care Assisstant. The surgery is fully equipped to deal with medical emergencies. The practice is dispensing and has a small pharmacy incorporated. Services provided by the practice include Out of Hours Cover, Pre-hospital Emergency Care, long term conditions management, well woman services including contraception, anti-coagulant monitoring, Vaccination and travel immunisation services, Minor Injury care and Minor Surgery services.
The island is served by the Scottish Air Ambulance Service and the Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS). The Lorn and Islands District General Hospital in Oban has medical, surgical, community midwifery and laboratory services in addition to an Accident and Emergency Department and radiology including CT scanning. Most patients requiring urgent medical evacuation and most outpatient referrals are sent there . More serious emergencies and more specialist or complex routine referrals are made to the Glasgow group of hospitals
The island is reached by CalMac ferry from Oban with services every day during the summer months. The Wednesday and Saturday services are from Kennacraig in Kintyre and come via Islay. There are three weekday boats during the Winter, with only the Saturday boat linking us to Islay during the winter. The ferry journey takes approximately 2½ hours. There is also a twice weekly return air service from Connel airfield near Oban. Both services can be severely disrupted during the Winter months.
This practice offers a chance for medical students to experience a wide spectrum of medical problems and the way in which remoteness and isolation influence the way in which they are safely managed in general practice. It involves exposure to Accident and Emergency medicine, potentially also Pre-hospital Emergency Care whilst additionally dealing with minor injuries and the more ordinary aspects of Primary Care, all in the setting of the logistical and social challenges inherent in remote community working.
The islands of Colonsay and Oronsay offer wide scope for outdoor recreational activity – walking, swimming/snorkelling, bird-watching, fishing, photography, painting, kayaking and exploring the numerous historical sites.
Statistically the island is one of the sunniest parts of the UK, but be prepared also for wild Atlantic weather. Then there is the Scottish midge...come prepared if you visit between June and September!
Simon Willetts GP
14/4/22
