A GP surgery was locked down after a man allegedly poured liquid on the floor and threatened to ignite it. It is claimed the man was desperate for a face-to-face appointment with a doctor at the Thistle Practice in Airdrie.
It has led GP leaders to warn of a “new normal” of escalating daily threats and intimidation in Scottish surgeries. It comes as medics warn the country could soon face security teams and locked surgery doors for appointments.
And they say things will worsen this winter as the cost-of-living squeeze combines with increasing waiting times for hospital and GP treatment.
The alleged incident in Airdrie happened in a packed reception area. One source said: “Apparently there was a call in the morning from a guy who was desperate for an appointment.“He was told a GP would call him later and determine if he should get one.