Doctor shortages leave four Scottish hospitals without overnight GP cover

Staff shortages at a Scottish health board left patients in the area without any out-of-hours GP coverage.

Patients in the Greater Glasgow area were left without overnight GP coverage. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The Herald has reported that the crisis in Greater Glasgow and Clyde meant overnight GP service was cancelled at four sites from January 8-9.

The health board aims to have services at Sobhill and Victoria Hospital in Glasgow, the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and Inverclude Royal Hospital in Greenock open from midnight until 8am every day.

A spokeswoman stressed that a home visiting service prioritising terminially ill and housebound patients remained in place.

Last June the Scottish government stepped in when it was revealed all but one out of hours service closed over a weekend due to staff shortages.

NHS sources have told the Herald that the departments are still 'in crisis'.