Health bosses have announced a shake-up of services at an Aberdeen GP surgery.
Northfield and Mastrick Medical Practice has been affected by a number of resignations recently.
Health chiefs have said this, coupled with a national recruitment crisis, has forced them to consider the long-term future of the practice.
While the exact nature of the changes remains unclear, NHS Grampian has said it is considering a range of options and has not ruled out closing the facility.
It could also mean medics from other practices being drafted-in to treat patients.
Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP) has now written to all patients to let them know about the changes, which will be implemented in the coming months.
ACHSP has said it is working with the health board to try to secure cover at the practice.
The organisation’s chief officer, Judith Proctor, said: “I know this news may cause some concern for Northfield and Mastrick patients, however I would like to reassure them that the practice will operate normally and they should continue to access advice and care in the usual way.
“There will inevitably be some changes to services to ensure patients have access to the appropriate healthcare professional during this time, but every effort is being made to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for our patients.”
Last night, retired GP Ken Lawton said the practice’s problems were a microcosm of a national crisis.
Dr Lawton said: “This is not just a Grampian problem, it’s evidence that the government has ignored the warnings from the profession.
“They have kept promising investment, but it’s not really filtered down to the grass roots.
“The workforce planning has been totally inadequate to meet the very obvious changes in population, obviously this is going to require more medical care which means more doctors.”
However, the Scottish Government has said it has increased investment into general practice.
A spokesman said: “We are committed to investing in our GP and primary care services, which are at the heart of our NHS.
“That is why we recently announced an additional £500million for primary care over the course of this parliament – increasing spending on primary care services to 11% of the frontline NHS budget.”
An MSP has called for a meeting with the health board to discuss the situation.
Mark McDonald, who represents Aberdeen Donside, has expressed concern over the long-term future of the practice, which is in his constituency.
Mr McDonald said: “I am extremely concerned about this issue and want to work as quickly and constructively as possible with NHS Grampian and ACHSCP to find a solution for residents in Northfield and Mastrick.
“Health services are incredibly important, especially on a local level, and with so many patients reliant on services it is vital that we explore all options possible to maintaining this facility in the community.
“I believe there are lessons to be learned from the transition that took place between Brimmond and New Dyce medical practices last year, and am keen to discuss this with health board representatives.
“Aberdeen is a fantastic and world leading hub for medical research and training, and we must continue to do more to attract GPs to come and work in our city communities and provide the care which people here need and appreciate having.
“I will meet NHS Grampian bosses as soon as possible to find out what is needed to resolve the ongoing issues at the practice.
“All partners involved in this need to put full effort into finding a positive outcome for Northfield and Mastrick Medical Practice and the patients it serves.”
