A significant milestone has been reached in efforts to secure long-term GP capacity in Alderney.
Following extensive and collaborative discussions, it has been agreed by the owner of Island Medical Limited and the States of Alderney that it is in the community’s best interest for the latter to take over ownership of the Island Medical Centre (IMC).
This will ensure the continuation of primary care services in the island following a period of uncertainty during the last six weeks.
Kath Jones, States of Alderney Chief Executive, said: “While it is unusual for the States to own a medical practice this is something that all parties involved in recent discussions agreed was in the best interests of the community to ensure long-term stability of GP provision. There’s a great team at the IMC, who have been supported in recent weeks by the Queens Road Medical Practice, and between them they have enabled the service to continue. I’d like to thank the
owner of IMC for the collaborative way he has engaged with us, always with the community’s needs at the heart of discussions and following a challenging six years for the business financially which we understand made it unviable for IMC to continue withstanding without changes.
“We’re also grateful for the support received by Queens Road and the States of Guernsey. Today’s announcement is a positive step along the journey to bring stability to the situation while we, working in partnership with the States of Guernsey, jointly develop an optimum model for health and care in Alderney.”
Gordon Fitton, Owner of Island Medical Limited, said: “We are delighted that States of Alderney and Guernsey have engaged with us to ensure the best possible healthcare model for the island. We are hugely grateful for the commitment of the Practice Manager, staff and medics of the IMC, and for the support of Queens Road Medical Practice during this time.”
