A GP staffing crisis in north Angus has deepened with the suspension of open access at a town clinic.
NHS Tayside took over Brechin Health Centre in October and closed the GP ward at the town’s infirmary to bolster cover.
But the board has pulled the plug on open sessions due to a further decline in numbers and a lack of locum cover.
The region’s SNP MSP has sought emergency talks with health chiefs, against concerns over eroding services and a perceived lack of communication between the NHS and constituents.
And a local councillor has described the board as prone to “saying one thing and doing another.”
Mairi Evans, the SNP MSP for North Angus and Mearns, said she will meet health board chairman John Connell and representatives of Angus Community Health Partnership to discuss the crisis “immediately”.
“I don’t think this has happened overnight and I know the board has been doing what it can to recruit GPs,” she said.
“But we’re now in such a serious situation that we need to make sure every option is looked at.
“There may be flexibility with bringing GPs in from elsewhere — are we exhausting all those kinds of options to get us through this period?”
Ms Evans said Brechin’s latest development comes against a background of issues with Montrose Maternity Unit, doubts over a future for the Mulberry centre for mental health at Stracathro, and fluctuating opening hours at minor injuries units.
NHS Tayside made the out-of-hours announcement that open access will cease “till further notice” and advised patients to call 01356 624411 if they need treatment, while nurses were on hand to cover walk-ins on Thursday and Friday.
Brechin and district councillor Bob Myles said he was “very disappointed” to hear of the service’s suspension.
“The last meeting I had with the NHS they were promoting the open access clinics as a very positive step forward,” he said.
“This is what seems to happen on a regular basis – they say one thing and do another – and that’s what’s concerning me.
“I’m very worried that this is another service being lost in Brechin.”
Professor Andrew Russell, medical director with NHS Tayside, said it proved “impossible” to get GP cover, adding: “We are actively recruiting to the vacant posts at Brechin but the situation remains a big challenge and our doctors and nurses are working really hard every day to deliver a safe and sustainable service for the people of Brechin.”
Councillor Jim Houston said he hoped staffing would resolve after the summer holidays, adding: “Be assured that this is high on my list of priorities and I hope that by working together professionally and as a community we can find a way through this present situation so that the people of Brechin and the surrounding area can continue to have the level of safe patient care and service they have come to expect.”
