Thousands of patients at an Aberdeen clinic face an uncertain future as it emerged that the current team of doctors will be withdrawing in the summer.
There are around 7,500 people registered at the Torry Medical Practice on the city’s Oscar Road.
But yesterday bosses at the Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP) confirmed that following long-term difficulties recruiting a new GP, a long term absence and the imminent retirement of a third doctor, the team would be withdrawing from their contract at the site in July.
Last night an ACHSCP spokesman stressed that the practice would operate as normal during that period and that medical services would continue to be provided for Torry residents afterwards.
In 2015, 8,000 patients in Bucksburn and Dyce were told they would lose their doctor when the Brimmond Medical Group closed its doors.
And in January last year Northfield and Mastrick Medical Practice changed hands after a number of resignations.
ACHSCP Chief Officer Judith Proctor said: ”The doctors have now come to the difficult decision to end their contract with NHS Grampian from the end of July 2018.
“We are working with the doctors and the wider practice team to make sure services continue as usual during the next six months. There is no need for patients to worry or to change their practice.
“Over the coming weeks and months we will be working to ensure that services continue in Torry beyond July 2018. There will be an opportunity to reshape services to make sure they meet the needs of the local community for the future.”
Conservative Aberdeen South MP Ross Thomson said: “The challenges in recruiting and retaining doctors in this area are well documented, and we know that the existing workforce is ageing.
“But we should make no mistake, this is down to a failure on the part of the SNP government on workforce planning and GP training.”
SNP Torry and Ferryhill councillor Catriona Mackenzie said: “My first priority in this whole issue is standing up for the people of Torry who deserve good health services delivered locally.
“It is so important that GP services for people in Torry stay in Torry and I will be seeking assurances that everything possible will be done to keep the local medical practice up and running under a new team.”
SNP MSP Maureen Watt said: “This news will be of understandable concern to my constituents in Torry and I can assure them that I have already made contact with representatives from both the IJB and NHS to discuss the options available moving forward.
“The IJB have been clear that it is a number of months before this decision will take effect and, in that time, all partners need to come together to find a practical solution.
“In the meantime, I would encourage all patients registered with the practice to follow the advice provided.”
