A medical practice in a north-east town will end its contract with NHS Grampian later this year after struggling to recruit a new full-time GP.
The Saltoun Medical Practice in Fraserburgh, which has around 8,500 patients, will end the contract at the end of September.
The practice has been unable to recruit a full time GP, but will continue as it has been over the next six months.
Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Mark Simpson said: “Along with the practice and other partners, we are working together to ensure continued sustainable, high-quality primary care services to patients currently registered at the Saltoun Practice.
“There is no need for patients to change their practice at this time.
“I would also like to reassure patients that we, along with the practice, will keep them informed as soon as there is any new information and whilst it may be unsettling I can promise them that we are doing all we can to make the process as smooth as possible.”
Councillor Charles Buchan was “disappointed” by the news.
He said: “This practice has served Fraserburgh for many years and the staff and the doctors and staff have all served the community very well.
“I know it’s a well-loved practice and it must cover at least half of the town.
“There are a lot of special health issues and I hope this will be catered for.”
Practice staff have been informed of the situation and patients will be contacted directly in due course.
