Lack of GPs shuts medical practice

A DUNDEE medical practice has been forced to close its doors due to a shortage of staff.

The closure of Fintry Mill Medical Centre in Finavon Street has left patients having to travel to the Mill Practice, a sister centre in Stobswell.

Keith Buckingham, manager of the Mill Practice, in Arthurstone Terrace, said the decision to close the Fintry surgery was to “manage and reduce any potential risk to patients and staff”.

The independent practice in Fintry will reopen on April 16, despite concerted efforts to try to fill three vacancies across the two council wards.

Mr Buckingham said: “At the Mill Practice, we currently have three GP vacancies over our two sites in Dundee and, despite ongoing recruitment efforts, we have been unable to secure replacement GPs.”

The practice manager reaffirmed that staff were working “extremely hard” to continue to offer a good service to patients.

He added: “In order to manage this situation and reduce any potential risk to patients and staff, we have decided to temporarily transfer all services to the Mill Practice until Friday April 13.

“There will be no services delivered at Fintry Mill Medical Centre during this time. “We have written to our Fintry Mill patients to explain the situation and advise how they should access services during this time.

“Fintry Mill Medical Centre will reopen on Monday April 16, at which time normal service will resume.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our patients during this time and we fully appreciate the frustration this situation may cause.

“Our staff and doctors are working extremely hard to offer a good service for our patients and we thank them for their understanding and patience.”

Ward councillor Willie Sawers said: “I am concerned to hear about the temporary closure of Fintry Mill Medical Centre over the holiday period.

“The Arthurstone surgery is on a busy bus route and I hope that this will minimise any disruption to patients.”

The news of staff shortages comes weeks after the Stobswell Medical Practice closed, with 2,500 patients redistributed to other practices

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Fintry Mill Medical Centre in Finavon Street.