STAFF problems at a Milford Haven GP surgery have forced a temporary halt to non-emergency appointments.

Patients telephoning the Robert Street surgery in the last two weeks have been met with an answer machine message telling them the surgery is under ‘extreme strain’ for the next month due to a lack of doctors and locums.

The message asks patients to only request emergency appointments “if there is a genuine need”, and to contact NHS direct or their pharmacist for “minor illnesses”.

A spokesman for Hywel Dda health board said the temporary message was put in place on March 21, due to one of the senior GPs retiring before Easter.

“A new GP has been appointed to the practice, but he couldn’t start until the beginning of April and the practice has been faced with a shortage of locum cover in the meantime,” he added.

“The message is meant to be informative for patients during this interim period and the practice has reported positive feedback from their patients.

“The practice anticipates that the message will be in place for a further two weeks.”

“Members of the public can help by using the Choose Well guidance to support them in choosing the best healthcare service (e.g. community pharmacies, triage and treat services where available, opticians, dentists, etc.) according to their need.

“For more information about Choose Well visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell.”

Patients are also reminded that repeat prescriptions will not be taken over the phone, and instead patients should hand in the re-order slip from their last prescription to reception, or posted to the practice.

Patients can then collect their prescription from their local pharmacy 48 hours later.

“Alternatively, patients can order medication through a nominated chemist,” the spokesman said.

“The practice does not take repeat orders over the phone and has not done so for a number of years.”