Doctor shortage worry in Dumfries and Galloway

The service will continue to operate across the region, however there will be times when the service will be limited says manager Mark Sindall.
He added: “I hope that people in Dumfries and Galloway will be aware of the national and local issues around the recruitment of doctors, particularly GPs who play a critical role in providing cover for our out of hours service.
“Despite extensive efforts to provide our usual service there will be instances in the coming weeks and months where this may just not be possible”
Meanwhile people are encouraged to make use of their GPs in service hours and only use the out of hours services when medical attention is needed urgently.
Clinical lead for the Out of Hours Service, Dr Nitin Desai, said: “The NHS Dumfries and Galloway out of hours service should only be used to provide medical management for conditions that require urgent attention.
“We would encourage members of the public to avoid using the service for routine treatment, recurrent or non-urgent medical conditions or to issue repeat prescriptions and to contact your GP at the earliest opportunity.”
She added: “Although the service is limited, the out of hours service will be operational and the public are asked to contact the out of hours service as normal over this period by calling the NHS24 Call Centre on 111, a free number.
“It is essential that patients contact NHS24 first in order to receive the correct advice for their condition and to be directed for the appropriate service for their needs.”