Should patients have an urgent medical need between 6pm and 8am they should continue to call the surgery on 01369 860224 and their call will be diverted to NHS 24 who will deal with the call appropriately. If as a result they require to be seen by a doctor, the locum on-call doctor, based at Strachur will be contacted.
Viv Smith, Locality Manager for Cowal and Bute, said:
“Dr Robbie Coull has notified NHS Highland that he is opting out of providing an out of hours service for patients served by his Strachur Practice from Wednesday 14th November.
“As a result of this decision by Dr Coull NHS Highland has a statutory obligation to provide alternative out of hours arrangements for those patients affected.
“During the hours of 6pm-8am if patients have an urgent need they should call the surgery as normal and their call will be automatically forwarded to NHS 24 who will deal with the call appropriately. If they require a doctor the locum on call doctor, who is based in Strachur, will be contacted.
“If a patient wishes to ring NHS 24 directly they can also do so by calling 08454 24 24 24 and if they need an ambulance urgently they should call 999 as normal.
“We are very keen to put in place permanent alternative Out of Hours service provision as soon as possible and we feel that it is important that this is discussed with the public.
"We will therefore be holding a Public Event for the Strachur Community, hosted by Strachur Community Council, on Wednesday 28th November 2007 at Strachur Village Hall from 7pm which everyone is welcome to attend.
“If a member of the public has mobility and transport problems but would like to attend the meeting please call Dunoon Hospital on 01369 708345 before Monday 26th November and transport arrangements will be made.”
Notes to Editors:
· If you are ill when your Doctor’s surgery is closed and you feel you can’t wait until it re-opens call Strachur Surgery on 01369 860224 or NHS 24 (www.nhs24.com) on 08454 24 24 24.
· If you think that the situation is life threatening and that you need an emergency ambulance you should call 999.
