McInnes 'concerned' over locum GP's

12.00.00am GMT Fri 18th Jan 2008

Following media reports that unknown numbers of GP's travelling from abroad are covering out of hours shifts in the region, North East MSP Alison McInnes has voiced concerns about standards of care.

Reports of one Polish doctor who travels over 13 hours each way to cover out of hours shifts in Aberdeenshire prompted worried responses from patients groups.

"Bearing in mind that we're talking about urgent out of hours cases this story is cause for some concern" said McInnes. "It is more worrying that NHS Grampian seems unsure how many foreign locum doctors are making similar journeys."

She continued, "It doesn't matter whether a doctor is from Poznan or Peebles providing they are rested and competent to deliver the care a patient needs.

"Patients won't be satisfied with NHS Grampian's response that they are not responsible for the state in which GP's arrive for work. Likewise, they need to know whether this is a relatively isolated case or whether it is becoming the norm.

"Patients who have been verified by NHS 24 as requiring out of hours care are entitled to a doctor who is alert and rested. I have written today to the Chief Executive of NHS Grampian with a view to discussing this matter in person."