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We would like to let our patients know about some temporary changes to our opening arrangements.

We are currently experiencing staffing pressures. To help us continue providing safe, effective care and maintain the services our patients rely on, we are making some temporary changes to the times when the practice building and main telephone line are open.

These changes will give our clinical and administrative teams dedicated time to process prescriptions, review hospital letters and test results, and complete other essential tasks that support patient care.

Importantly, we are not reducing the number of GP appointments available. Our aim is to use our limited resources as effectively as possible so that we can continue providing medical care to those who need it.

Prescriptions

As part of these temporary arrangements, the processing time for routine repeat prescriptions will increase from 3 working days to 5 working days.

To avoid running short of medication, we kindly ask patients to order their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

Where possible, we will continue to process prescriptions sooner if there is a particular clinical need, but we cannot guarantee this. We would therefore encourage everyone to work on the basis of the new 5 working day turnaround time.

Accessing Urgent Medical Care

Please be reassured that a duty doctor will continue to be available for urgent medical problems between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

If you need urgent medical advice when the reception desk and main telephone line are closed, please follow the instructions on our telephone message, which will direct you to the duty doctor service.

Thank You

We know that any change to usual arrangements can be frustrating, and we are very grateful for your understanding while these temporary measures are in place.

Our team remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care for our community and is working hard to manage the challenges we currently face. The support, patience and kindness shown by our patients are greatly appreciated and make a real difference to our staff.

We will keep these arrangements under regular review and will update patients as the situation changes.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr Nikki Hallum and Dr Alida MacGregor