Work has been taking place to provide continuity of service at a GP practice facing a shortage of medical cover over the festive period.
Patients at Lochinch Medical Practice in Stranraer have already been notified to ensure that all prescription requests have been submitted.
This provides time for staff to process these prescriptions and send them to the pharmacy for collection prior to Christmas and New Year.
A spokesman for Lochinch Medical Practice said: “A shortage of GPs both locally and nationally means we have been relying on locum staffing to a degree, and this presents challenges during holiday periods.
“We have been anticipating these circumstances, with plans in place to ensure continuity of services over Christmas and New Year.
“The practice will be open on 24th, 27th and 28th December and 31st, 3rd and 4th January with a limited service. Patients, however, should continue to contact the surgery and staff will advise as appropriate. The practice will be closed as normal for the public holidays.
“Patients have already been asked to submit requests for prescriptions, but during this period assistance around medications will be restricted to emergency situations – with normal service resuming in the week of January 7 2019.”
The spokesman added: “Throughout the holiday period medical cover will be in place, but will be limited.
“We would ask patients to note these arrangements, and very much appreciate their patience and understanding.”
