A selection of GP practices in the area will be closed on Thursday, March 9 to allow staff training to be carried out.

GPs take part in a number of Protected Learning Time (PLT) sessions throughout the year which allows them to carry out staff training for the whole practice team.

Training also took place last week, with a further 12 GPs in East Ayrshire to close at 1pm, between tomorrow and Thursday.

The following practices will close on Tuesday, March 7 from 1pm:

  • Ballochmyle Medical Group, Mauchline
  • Taiglum Medical Practice, Drongan
  • Valley Medical Practice, New Cumnock
  • Portland Medical Practice, Kilmarnock
  • The Wards Medical Centre, Kilmarnock

The following practices will close on Thursday, March 9 from 1pm:

  • Auchinleck Surgery
  • Riverside Medical Practice, Patna
  • Dalmellington Medical Practice
  • Holmhead Medical Practice, Kilmarnock
  • Loudoun Medical Practice, Darvel
  • Stewarton Medical Practice
  • Galston Medical Practice

All other GP Practices will remain open and patients should contact their practice in the normal way.

During these afternoons the Ayrshire Urgent Care Service will provide urgent care and support to patients of practices which are closed.

Information on how to access advice from a GP will be made available on the participating GP Practice's telephone messaging systems, practice websites and notices on the practice doors.

Patients or Community Pharmacies who require to contact a participating GP Practice urgently during the time they are closed for PLT should call the Ayrshire Urgent Care Service on 01563 826930.