YourGP is not only celebrating a new name this month, we are also delighted to be welcoming a vastly experienced new doctor to the team.

Dr Philip Rutledge, who first started in general practice in Leith, Edinburgh in 1979, will be carrying out seafarer medical examinations at YourGP.

The Merchant Shipping (Medical Certification) Regulations 2009 make it a legal requirement for any seafarer to hold a valid medical certificate attesting to their medical fitness to perform their duties.

In order to obtain this certificate, seafarers must first pass a seafarer medical examination, which can only be carried out by a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Dr Rutledge, one of only three approved doctors in Edinburgh, is relishing the challenge.

He says: ‘I am very much looking forward to it, I really like new challenges.

‘I really like the atmosphere in YourGP and I think they have some good doctors here already, so I am very happy to join them.’

We are just as happy to welcome Dr Rutledge, who brings with him a wealth of experience to the YourGP team.

He explains: ‘I first started in general practice in 1979. I used to be a GP in general practice for 13 years down in Leith, near the docks, which is when I started doing seafarer medical examinations.

‘I then worked in medicines management for Lothian Health Board, where I looked at performance management and quality issues, mainly about prescribing.

‘At the same time, I continued seafarer medical examinations with the merchant navy – I’ve been doing these medicals for 30 years now, so I have a long history of this.’

Dr Rutledge will initially be working at YourGP one day a week, and we hope you will all join us in welcoming him to the team when you see him.

If you would like to find out more about Dr Rutledge, or if you or your staff require a seafarer medical examination, please leave a comment below, call 0131 225 5656 or email reception@your.gp