Crisis for GPs
Upsurge in patients
GP practices in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are having to open on Saturdays throughout January to cope with demand.
NHS services are experiencing unprecedented levels of winter illness, with GP practices and hospitals facing high numbers of patients.
GP practices in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are having to open on Saturdays throughout January to cope with demand.
NHS services are experiencing unprecedented levels of winter illness, with GP practices and hospitals facing high numbers of patients.
Three services in Rutherglen and Cambuslang opened on Saturday, January 6 - The Tierney/ Canning practice at Rutherglen Primary Care Centre, The Craigallian Avenue Practice and Ardoch Medical Centre.
All three are scheduled to open again this weekend between 8.30am and 12.30pm. Others could be confirmed later this week.
Patients who feel they need to see a doctor should call their practice. They will be triaged in the and anyone requiring an urgent appointment will be assessed.
Dr Iain Wallace, Medical Director for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We are working closely with our general medical practice colleagues to respond to the increased need for GP appointments. We’ve asked all practices to consider extending their opening hours to cover Saturday mornings in January and we’ve had a great response.
“We want to ensure that our GPs can see the patients where only a GP can help and would remind everyone of all the options available including health advice from your local pharmacist and NHS Inform – www.nhsinform. scot - to help with self care for illness such as colds, coughs, sore throats and viruses.
“We are also appealing to anyone feeling unwell not to visit a relative or friend in hospital, to reduce the risk of infections spreading to hospital patients.”
More information and advice is available on the NHS Lanarkshire’s website www. nhslanarkshire.org.uk.