Links Project Report:developing the connections between general practices and their communities

1. Acknowledgements

This report is based on feedback and information contributed by ten General Practices, six who deliver care in the most deprived areas of Glasgow and in four different areas of Fife. The project was developed during a particularly busy period in general practice when there is higher demand from winter viruses. In addition, 2010 - 11 was a particularly bad winter with snow and ice over Scotland which affected project meetings.

The Links project provided an example of what it is possible to do with engaged practices and strong leadership in a short timescale. The valuable information collected is testament to impressive teamwork, the skills of Clinical Leads, interest and enthusiasm of many individuals and project management and service improvement support from Long Term Conditions Collaborative (LTCC). The Links Project Steering Group is very grateful to the following General Practices for their considerable effort and contribution:

Glasgow

Drs Boyle, Treadgold, Duffy & Morley, Pollock Health Centre
Dr Alison McBeth & Partners, Gilbertfield Medical Centre
Dr Roger Black and Partners, Whitevale Medical Group
Drs Wilson, McGinley & Sheppard, Easterhouse Health Centre
Dr Robert Jamieson & Dr Elizabeth Day, Bridgeton Health Centre
Dr Nugent and Partners, Drumchapel Medical Centre

Fife

Inverkeithing Medical Group Practice
Dr Ross and Partners, Leven
Feddinch Practice, St. Andrews
Newburgh and Abernethy Practice

Special thanks to Clinical Leads, Dr Peter Cawston (Glasgow) and Dr Sonia Devereux (Fife), for their thoughtful advice and detailed feedback. We are also very grateful to Professor Graham Watt and Professor Stewart Mercer of Department of General Practice, Glasgow University, for their valuable input and for establishing collaborative working relationships with the General Practices.