Patients reassured as board faces GP struggle

A HEALTH board has said it faces difficult challenges in recruiting GPs to work at a medical practice in Aberdeen.

Letters have been sent out to patients of the Northfield and Mastrick Medical Practice informing them that there have been difficulties trying to fill two vacancies.

NHS Grampian said staff are working with the remaining doctors and the wider practice team to secure clinical cover and to make sure patients continue to have access to services.

Doctors and nurses working on at the practice, which is based on two sites, are managed by Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership.

An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “Recent General Practitioner vacancies, together with national and local difficulties in GP recruitment, have resulted in a challenging situation around GP staffing at the practice.

“All patients have already been contacted about the changes. As plans are progressed and further information is available, this will also be communicated to all patients directly.

“Expressions of interest from other GP practices to provide General Medical Services to the Northfield and Mastrick practice will be requested shortly.”

There are 5,191 patients signed up at the medical practice with only two GPS working at both sites.

The health board said it was too early to determine what changes will be made to the service.

Judith Proctor, the health partnership’s chief officer, said: “I know this news may cause some concern for Northfield and Mastrick patients.

“However, I would like to reassure them that the practice will operate normally and they should continue to access advice and care in the usual way.”