Scotland’s GP shortage is hitting home starkly in central Fife after it emerged that 10 surgeries in the area have been operating full lists.
Shocking new figures obtained via a freedom of information request have revealed that eight surgeries in Kirkcaldy alone were not accepting new patients as of last month due to the crisis, while one in Methil and one in Markinch have also been affected.
NHS Fife admitted the issue has been “challenging” for the health board, but Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said the latest information proves services are “bursting at the seams”.
Kirkcaldy in particular has been hardest hit, with four separate surgeries based at Kirkcaldy Health Centre in Whyteman’s Brae running restricted lists.
Four more, on Nicol Street. Bennochy Road, Nether Street and St Brycedale Road, are in the same position, as is the Markinch Medical Practice and the Cannons Practice on Methil’s Ajax Way.
Indeed, in relation to the latter, NHS Fife was forced to take over the running of the Cannons surgery last month after it failed to recruit the two GPs needed to run it.
The latest figures have angered Mr Fraser, who has called for action to sort out the mess in central Fife.
“The simple fact is that GP practices in Kirkcaldy are bursting at the seams and unless the Scottish Government steps in, patients will be left struggling to get suitable appointments,” he told The Courier.
“NHS Fife have stated that surgeries with full lists can still be forced to accept patients.
“However, unless more doctors can be recruited this does not represent a long-term solution.
“For there to be 10 surgeries in Fife with full lists and all eight in Kirkcaldy to be operating this way is very concerning.
“There are clear and obvious deficiencies in Kirkcaldy GP provision and as a result I am calling on the Scottish Government to do more to support NHS Fife in GP recruitment.”
Last month, Fife health board reassured patients of the Cannons Practice at Ajax Way that it will run as normal and be staffed by locums until permanent staff are recruited.
In response to the list of restricted surgeries, Frances Elliot, NHS Fife medical director, suggested the problem was being experienced across the country.
“In line with health boards across Scotland, GP recruitment continues to prove challenging,” she said.
“As a result of this, a number of practices in Kirkcaldy are currently not accepting new patients.
“However, this does not simply mean that people are being left without access to a GP, and it is important to stress that where a patient is unable to join a specific practice, NHS Fife will allocate a suitable alternative.”