NHS Shetland Welcomes New Consultant Surgeon, Dr. Pete Alexander

NHS Shetland has appointed Dr. Pete Alexander as its new consultant rural general surgeon, a role he began on August 6, 2023. During an interview at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, Dr. Alexander expressed his enthusiasm for the position, highlighting the unique opportunities and strong community spirit he has encountered in his first few weeks.

Dr. Alexander, who has relocated with his family to Gulberwick, is keenly aware of the challenges that come with serving a remote population. He acknowledges the breadth of knowledge required for the role but views it as a compelling reason for his move. “That’s what drew me here,” he stated, reflecting on the diverse healthcare needs of the local community.

This appointment comes at a time when NHS Shetland is optimistic about improving its recruitment of healthcare professionals. The health board has faced significant challenges in attracting consultants, general practitioners, and other essential staff to the region. Chief Executive Brian Chittick noted the financial burden of employing locum staff, which can cost between 1.1 and 1.4 times more than permanent employees. In the first four months of the current financial year, NHS Shetland has already spent £900,000 on agency locums.

Despite these challenges, there have been positive developments in recruitment. The number of vacant GP positions has decreased from five to one, with three new GPs appointed this year. This includes one each in Lerwick, the West Mainland, and Scalloway, along with a newly appointed GP for Yell. There are still critical roles to fill, such as consultant psychiatrists and obstetricians, which continue to rely on locum staff.

Dr. Alexander’s background uniquely positions him for success in Shetland. Born in Cardiff and raised in South Africa and Inverness, he first visited the islands as a student. His family ties to the region, including his uncle, former consultant surgeon Gordon McFarlane, who retired in July 2024, have further strengthened his connection to Shetland. Dr. Alexander completed a two-year fellowship to gain the necessary skills before officially stepping into his new role.

The responsibilities of a consultant surgeon in Shetland extend beyond routine procedures. Dr. Alexander and his team perform a wide range of surgeries, including cancer operations, hernia repairs, and gall bladder procedures, as well as managing fractures and stabilizing patients for transfer to larger hospitals. The work can be demanding, often requiring evening and overnight shifts, as well as crisis management.

Chittick reflected on his journey within NHS Shetland, having started as a dentist in 2015 before rising to his current position in 2023. He emphasizes the community aspect of working in Shetland, where health professionals can see the direct impact of their work. “You nip down to Tesco and get feedback from two or three people about the service you are providing,” he noted, adding that this connection motivates many professionals.

Recruiting health professionals to rural areas remains challenging. Factors such as the uncertainties stemming from Brexit, a shortage of specialists in the UK, and changing lifestyle expectations contribute to the difficulties. To address this, NHS Shetland is implementing flexible job opportunities, including rotational roles and hybrid working arrangements. Furthermore, initiatives like the Rediscover the Joy program allow GPs to experience rural healthcare without long-term commitment.

The Viking Conference, held annually in Shetland, serves as another avenue for promoting rural healthcare, bringing together medical professionals to share expertise and inspire future healthcare providers. Chittick believes that early exposure to the unique skill sets required for rural care will benefit the local workforce.

While NHS Shetland continues to rely on locums to fill vacant positions, Chittick is optimistic about the future. “We are always trying to recruit and make it more sustainable,” he said. By fostering consistency in care through long-term locum placements, the health board aims to improve patient experiences while navigating the complexities of rural healthcare.

The appointment of Dr. Alexander marks a significant step forward for NHS Shetland as it strives to enhance healthcare services for the island community. As the region faces ongoing recruitment challenges, the commitment of professionals like Dr. Alexander will be crucial in ensuring accessible and quality care for residents.