Night doc ‘ service’ had ZERO duty GPs

No medics for 350,000 folk

the rest of the weekend.

The shift is supposed to run with up to three GPs on overnight duty.

Just six months ago chiefs reviewed the overnight service amid struggles to staff the rota.

Appointments at Ayr Hospital were scaled back as part of a bid to tackle the problem.

Worried Ayr MSP John Scott branded the lack of medics a “shocking” development.

He said: “It merely underlines fears over the future of this service.

“Concerns have stretched back over several years now so it’s time for action on the part of NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

“They must ensure that out- of- hours GP cover is in place to meet the needs of local patients so instances like this are not repeated in future.”

NHS chief Pam Milliken admitted: “In line with other out- of- hours services across Scotland, AUCS has over a number of years found it harder to attract GPs.

“Our GPs and ANPs work together with other nursing staff, NHS 24 and our emergency acute services to ensure that people are provided with access to appropriate services for their clinical condition.

“GP cover during school holidays can be more problematic as more GPs are on holiday.

“During the weekend we worked closely with our colleagues in NHS 24 and within our emergency departments to ensure people received the care they required.”

Jeane Freeman, Scottish health secretary and MSP for much of Ayrshire, told the Post: “Whilst I understand that there were staff shortages due to holidays, everyone who accessed the service were prioritised by their clinical need and the most appropriate advice or assistance given.”