Thousands of patients affected as city practice shuts over GP shortage

Dundee’s Ryehill Medical Practice will close down in June due to the national shortage of GPs, it can be revealed.

NHS Tayside confirmed the practice will close on June 30, citing a struggle to recruit general practitioners.

The practice had a total of 5,578 patients registered as of January 1 2022, all of whom will be helped to find a new practice.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said those registered at the practice would receive a letter in the coming days informing them of the next steps.

The health board said patients should be reassured that the practice would remain fully operational until June 30.

A NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “Ryehill Medical Practice has taken the decision to terminate its contract to deliver General Medical Services on 30 June 2022.

“Ryehill Medical Practice is staffed by GPs who are independent contractors.

“As with many practices across Scotland, Ryehill Medical Practice has been affected by the national shortage of GPs and has been unable to recruit GPs.

“Patients at the practice will be receiving a letter in the next few days to explain the next steps. When a practice gives notice to stop providing services, NHS Tayside has to ensure that patients have continued access to a GP.

“Patients at Ryehill should be reassured that the practice will continue to be fully operational up until 30 June with the GPs continuing to practice from the practice.

“NHS Tayside will now work closely with Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure that patients can access local GP and primary care services from 1 July 2022. Patients will be kept informed as Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership develop plans for local delivery of primary care services.”

It comes after news that Friockheim Health Centre will shut in May when the last remaining GP, Dr Karen Scallan, steps down.

More than 3,500 patients will be affected by the closure, which was also linked to an inability to recruit new doctors.

RECRUITMENT STRUGGLES: Ryehill Medical Practice in Dundee will close on June 30 after being unable to find GPs to continue the service.

Friockheim Health Centre is due to shut in May when the current GP steps down.