PATIENTS who turn up at emergency out-of-hours GP centres in Glasgow will now be turned away if they do not have an appointment.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is to introduce a referral system for evening emergency cases, following on from a number of other Scottish health boards.

Patients must call NHS 24 first and will be offered a telephone consultation or sent to one of the out-of-hours centres. Technology is also being rolled out to allow for video assessments to take place from the middle of June.

READ MORE: Glasgow doctor tells of 'extremely difficult working conditions' after city is left with one out-of-hours service 

The health board said the plan aims to reduce waiting times and ease pressure on the service which is battling chronic GP shortages as well as helping ensure social distancing can be observed to minimise the transmission of coronavirus.

READ MORE: Glasgow no longer has the highest number of weekly coronavirus deaths 

The board said patient transport will be available to take people to and from centres, while home visiting will still be an option for those who can’t travel.

Dr Kerri Neylon, deputy medical director for primary care at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “With all patients being channelled through NHS 24 as a first point of contact, we can ensure they are directed to the most appropriate type of care within the right environment, at the right time.

“The way we access urgent primary care is changing, and the new system underpins a wider exercise to ensure the whole of Greater Glasgow and Clyde has access to a safe, reliable and sustainable GP out-of-hours service which maximises resources and technology to deliver high-quality person-centred care.”