Swadlincote Surgery has said it is operating under 'difficult circumstances' today (Tuesday).

A post on the surgery's Facebook page says that 'unplanned staff absences' are the cause.

The surgery has asked the public to have patience with them - and issued a reminder that it is no different to an NHS Hospital where the most urgent cases are dealt with first.

The Facebook post reads: "Due to unplanned staff absences across our clinical and administrative staff groups we find ourselves operating under difficult circumstances today.

Our business continuity plan is being followed to ensure we are able to prioritise the needs of our sickest patients, including those that are terminally ill requiring care at home.

We remind our patients that the following options are available to them:

• All Prescription Queries can be taken by the Medications Order Line on 0115 855 0260
• Health advice and queries can be directed to 111.

"The Government has instructed all surgeries to reserve appointments that can only be booked by the 111 service - as such if you ring 111 during our opening hours and you need to see a GP today, 111 have the ability to facilitate this.

•Patients with prearranged face to face appointments will be seen as normal.

• Some patients with pre-arranged telephone appointments may be rang by alternative clinicians covering absent staff members.
• Patients will be offered appointments with the extended access service where these are available.
• Our website www.swadlincotesurgery.co.uk has the facility to submit health queries, request sick notes and other helpful features which may be of use.

"We ask all patients to bear with us during these difficult times.

"We are no different to our NHS hospital colleagues who have to prioritise the most urgent cases during times of staffing challenge and hope the alternative access measures above will be utilised to their full potential."

Earlier this month, the surgery reported that there had been cases of staff being verbally abused.

Swadlincote Surgery could take police action if abuse continues.