INVERCLYDE'S leading GP has revealed that two local practices have had to close their lists to new patients as the NHS winter crisis continues.

Dr Hector Macdonald, the health and social care partnership clinical director, gave an update to the local integrated joint board about the difficulties being faced by surgeries who are overwhelmed by the demand.

He set out a catalogue of problems that have led to doctors struggling to meet increasing demand, leaving some surgeries unable to offer appointments for anything other than emergencies.

A rise in cases of flu, Strep A and Covid in recent months has compounded existing problems around a shortage of doctors and hospital waiting times.

Dr Macdonald told the joint board: "Two of our practices are subject to list closures and are unable to take on new patients.

"This means they are still allowed to take on newborn babies and other family members who have moved home, but not additional patients.

"Practices are having to prioritise unscheduled and urgent care because of increase in influenza, Strep A and cases of Covid over the festive period.

"This, especially in the last few weeks, has caused delays in some routine care for patients."

The clinical director also gave an insight into other issues facing all 13 surgeries in Inverclyde as GP workloads increase.

Dr Macdonald said: "We are also noticing increase in patient demand post-pandemic.

"A lot of people put things on the back burner and didn't want to bother services during that time.

"Many of them are now seeking help."

The Port Glasgow GP also stated that the arrival of new Scots in Inverclyde means doctors are dealing with an increased number of patients with their own complex health needs.

This comes on top of long term headache of GP recruitment and retention.

Dr Macdonald added: "There is no evidence that increased A&E waiting times are being caused by GPs.

"At present A&E attendances are lower than pre-pandemic levels but it is the flow that is causing them problem - patients are in hospital longer than expected."

During the debate Councillor Robert Moran, chair of the board, warned there patients were being turned away when surgeries face pressures.

He said: "How do we stop people slipping through the net?

"We are inundated with people who are misdiagnosed or even worse.

"What mechanisms are in place to make sure this doesn't happen?

"We have to make sure that patients get the diagnosis they need."

In response Dr Macdonald said there were always risks and added that safety nets were in place.

He added: "I don't think there is any perfect system that can altogether eliminate situations where people deteriorate.

"Most practices have systems in place where they should be able to pick those up and spot the deterioration."

Mr Macdonald also told the meeting that winter pressures were starting to ease and that he was working closely with practices still struggling.

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