Another medical practice has been plunged into chaos due to a GP shortage.
The Mistylaw surgery in Lochwinnoch has been forced to operate on an emergency basis for three days.
It follows similar problems at the Strathgryffe Medical Practice which has surgeries in Bridge of Weir and Houston.
Mistylaw is the only surgery in the village and has now been floored, with all patients being alerted to the problem.
The message said: “Mistylaw Medical Practice will be operating an emergency service on Tuesday April 5, Monday, April 11 and Tuesday, April 12 due to a shortage of general practitioners.
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“We would greatly appreciate if patients could only call on those days if they have an urgent problem. Thank you.”
The practice has four doctors and surgeries in Beith, as well as in Main Street in Lochwinnoch.
A week ago, the Express revealed the much larger Strathgryffe Medical Practice had suffered problems.
Patients at the ten-doctor surgery were alerted to the problem by text.
The alert said: “Unfortunately, the practice has been significantly impacted by staff absence and Covid-19 pressures.
“We are asking our patients only to call today if you require urgent care.
“All patients with a pre-booked face to face appointment, please still attend as planned.
“All patients with a pre-booked telephone consultation will be called as planned unless notified otherwise.”
The news comes as the Scottish Government is shifting the onus of people with covid symptoms onto general practice.
Patients with Covid-19 symptoms are now being asked to contact their GP instead of NHS 24.
The move comes after a fall in the number of people using the service since the end of December and represents a return to pre-pandemic procedures.
Currently, callers to the 111 helpline are assessed and, if necessary, transferred to a local community hub staffed by clinicians from across the healthcare system.
Patients will be asked to contact their GP in the first instance during the working day, as they already do for other respiratory conditions. If help and advice is required out of hours, 111 should still be called.
