Aprivate South East medical practice has urged its patients not to exaggerate their symptoms in order to access a sickness certificate for employment purposes.

The extraordinary measure has recently been taken by the Medical Clinic Millicent as it battles an ongoing shortage of GPs.

It has warned such patients their relationship with the clinic may be put in jeopardy.

“Giving false or misleading information to receive or have an appointment will potentially result in the termination of the relationship with our clinic,” stated the Medical Clinic Millicent.

“Examples are expressing severe symptoms to get a sick certificate or denying cold and flu symptoms potentially exposing staff and other patients.”

According to the clinic, doctor shortage was a nationwide issue.

“Our existing doctors at Millicent are working more hours and using their day-off time to assist with this increased demand,” the clinic said.

Meanwhile, the doctor shortage has also meant that an on-call doctor for urgent appointments will no longer be available from Monday, July 4 at the Short Street premises.

Patients seeking an urgent appointment will have their details taken by the reception staff and they will be triaged by a nurse.