A LARGS pensioner had to make 114 phone calls to get through to the town's medical practice just to order a prescription.

Community councillor Margaret Wood revealed the extent of the issues at Brooksby Health Centre, with other locals complaining about lack of access to GPs and difficulties securing appointments.

Locals have labelled the quality of service as 'unacceptable' and have called on politicians to take action.

Margaret says she has experienced a string of problems with the centre - culminating with the phone fiasco.

She said: "I was just looking for a prescription but it took me 114 attempts to get through and speak with a doctor. I couldn't believe it.

"If they just had someone who could answer the phone and say they are short-staffed that would help, but it appears this isn't a one-off."

Fellow community councillor Andy Adair told the News that when he contacted the reception looking for an appointment was told his GP was going on annual leave for two weeks - and asked to call back on his return.

He says then when he rang a fortnight later, he faced a two and a half hour wait - then was asked if his issue 'was urgent'.

Andy, 82, said: "I told the lady that it was urgent to me. I was then told I would need to go somewhere else then and she hung up on me. It was shocking."

Local councillor Ian Murdoch says that the issues are not just restricted to Largs.

He said: "There have been huge problems in Skelmorlie and West Kilbride too.

"As far as I can see Largs is running at only two thirds of GP capacity. There are just not enough GPs here, but this is a problem across the board.

"When you do get a GP, the service is outstanding - it is just the system in place, the way the calls are handled and the lack of manpower."

SNP councillor Alan Hill added: "I think it is inexcusable that you can't book appointments for future dates either. You are instead told to phone back and may or may not get an appointment."

Craig McArthur, Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Director for the NHS, says work is ongoing to address the issues.

He added: "GPs continue to experience a very high volume of telephone calls and are trying to prioritise care to their most vulnerable patients. Face to face appointments continue to be offered if deemed clinically appropriate.

"We are sorry to hear about patients’ difficulty in contacting the surgery and making appointments, and e can understand their frustration. We are in touch with the practice regarding the issues described.

"While we cannot comment on individual cases, we would encourage any patients who have concerns to contact us directly.

"This is the only way that we can properly involve them in the process and provide feedback."