Patients at a Buchan surgery could be turned away amid staffing difficulties this summer.
Mintlaw Group Practice has issued a warning about patient disruption over the summer due to the absence of one of their GPs due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
A note posted on the door of the Newlands Road facility apologised to patients and said they could have their appointments changed or cancelled all together.
It said the practice, which has surgeries in Mintlaw, Stuartfield and Maud, had tried to secure cover but had been “let down” by a locum doctor.
The notice said: “Mintlaw Group Practice would like to apologise for any convenience caused by the cancellation of appointments in May and June.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances Dr Sim will be unavailable from Tuesday, May 14 for approximately two to three months. We are trying very hard to cover his sessions, but have been let down at the last minute by locum GPs.
“This is outwith our control and we are continuing to try and source other locum GPs.
“Unfortunately this will have consequences on all aspects of practice work and we ask you to bear with us during this extremely difficult time.”
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One patient reacting to the announcement online said he had been waiting weeks to see a GP at Mintlaw.
He said: “Over six weeks for an appointment. It has been cancelled and rescheduled three times and I am currently without an appointment.
“My apologies too because I don’t understand.”
Another man urged politicians to get round the table to find a answer for the practice.
He said: “It’s time that the local MP and councillors got together and worked out a solution for the common good.”
Mintlaw councillor Jim Ingram said he is “disappointed” the practice has been unable to fill the temporary vacancy.
He said: “This going to put more pressure on the staff who are already working there.
“It impacts on the patients and I am disappointed they have not been able to sort themselves out with a locum.
“It is difficult to recruit doctors in the north-east and especially rural areas.”
