Practice manager says Macduff Medical Practice 'not in crisis'
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MACDUFF Medical Practice's manager has insisted that the practice is 'not in crisis' following a slew of online complaints.
Locals complained via social media recently after they were informed that the earliest date for fresh appointments could be as late as next month.
They were also told to phone the out of hours service or 999 if in need of medical attention before that date.
Keith J Anderson, practice manager, said: "This week has been particularly challenging because we were let down with planned locums, some of whom had called off through illness, but our priority was to ensure that those patients for whom had booked an appointment then took up some of the residual capability that we had.
"We have been able to secure some agency locums and are ensuring that we have on-the-day appointments available – but we have to hold them for that reason in order to balance out the patient-demand.
"We are experiencing staff shortages through illness which has an impact on what we can deliver.
"The team are working to capacity, all are doing a great job on a difficult day, and many of whom are working additional hours during what is a particularly challenging time.
"We are not in crisis; and we are constantly striving to meet the challenges in order to provide the best service that we can."
Cllr Reynolds, who will meet with Mr Anderson, added: "Nobody is doubting the incredible work carried out by the staff and management team at the practice.
"If local people are frustrated, angry and confused as to why things are not happening when they should, then I feel that is partly as a result of a lack of communication, openness and transparency and it is a shame that this has been exposed online in the way that it has.
"The public cannot be left to feel out of the loop and there must be better engagement and that will be centre stage of discussions I will be having."
