Killearn GP Stuart Cumming, who has helped shape primary care services across Forth Valley, is stepping down from his work with NHS Forth Valley.
Dr Cumming has held a number of key roles and was actively involved in negotiations around the GP contract and the ensuing enhanced services which GPs still work to. In the years since, he has led many other contractual discussions and revisions and been a keen advocate of patient safety and quality improvement.
Along with another Local GP, Dr Paul Baughan, Stuart led the roll out and development of the Key Information Summary (KIS) system in Scotland which allows a patient’s key health details to be available on a shared computer system. He was also clinical lead for the former Stirling Community Health Partnership.
In addition, Dr Cumming was instrumental in helping to maintain the running of three large GP practices – Bannockburn, Hallpark and Kersiebank – when they had to be managed by the Health Board for a period of time due to a shortage of GPs. All three are now operated by the Forth Medical Group. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Stuart has worked alongside others to help identify vulnerable patients and offer advice on shielding.
One of his colleagues, Dr James King, said: “Basically, if it wasn’t for his patience, negotiating skills and tenaciousness, general practice in Forth Valley would not be in the relatively stable position it is in, dealing with this Covid challenge. He is a superman really.”
Dr Cumming joined Killearn Health Centre in May 1987 and plans to continue in his role as a GP after his retirement from the Health Board. His hobbies include skiing, gardening and walking and one of his fondest nights of the year is the staff Xmas party! Whilst work keeps him busy so does his family life with three daughters, three grandchildren and another on the way!
