A STAFF illness is continuing to affect services at a GP practice in Stranraer, with patients being thanked for their patience and understanding in the interim.
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership said: “In April, we were required to put measures in place at Lochinch Practice to address a staff illness – including restricting home visits.
“With the practice currently relying on one GP, we want to thank patients for their understanding of the circumstances and their continued patience.
“We also want to provide an update and information on the current arrangements.
“To this end, we would remind patients that prescription requests will take 48 hours to be processed.
“Alternative professional support for a variety of medical issues can be obtained from local pharmacies and also by contacting NHS 24, telephoning 111.
“However, it should be noted that Galloway Community Hospital’s Emergency Department is not an appropriate alternative for care after 6 pm – unless it is an emergency or extremely urgent.
“If your need is urgent, we will try to give you an appointment between 8 am and 6 pm with the most appropriate clinical person.
“Home visits are available only for palliative care patients.
“All requests for letters and reports will take at least four weeks from the date requested. If the GP feels a Patient Summary is appropriate, rather than a GP letter, this may be given instead.
“In relation to contraception, it will be a four to six week waiting time for an appointment with Dr Vaughan to have a coil inserted or an implant inserted.
“You have the option to have these fitted at the Sexual Health Clinic, which is held in Galloway Community Hospital, by telephoning 0345 702 3687 to arrange an appointment.
“We will continue to provide updates, and appreciate continued patience and understanding being demonstrated by patients at this time.”
