A MEDICAL centre will close its doors today after being told it did not have enough patients.

Galleywood Medical Centre, which is part of Moulsham Lodge Surgery group, has 1,337 patients.

Yet the base has been told it does not have enough to be financially sustainable.

The recommended GP to patient ratio is one full-time GP to 1,800 patients and the centre, which is part of the Moulsham Lodge Surgery Group, falls short.

The existing medical centre in Bekeswell Place, Chelmsford, is also in need of refurbishment.

Patricia Clampett, practice manager for the centre and Moulsham Lodge Surgery, said: “We fought for a long time to keep the surgery, it’s a terrible shame.

“The centre needed a full refurbishment as well, it wasn’t fit for purpose or for the patients so we couldn’t work there anymore.

“I would like to thank the patients for their support and our staff who have worked tremendously hard, everyone is really sad this is happening.”

All of the current staff at the centre will get posts elsewhere and patients assisted in finding new GP surgeries.

Andrew Pike, Director of Commissioning Operations for NHS England East, said: “We understand that patients may be upset by the closure of their GP practice.

“We are very sorry for any disruption this may cause.

“We have worked closely and effectively with neighbouring practices to ensure they have capacity to take on all the patients registered with The Galleywood Medical Centre, and we are confident no-one will be left without access to a local GP as a result of this closure.

“We are committed to supporting all patients currently registered with the practice, and we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and help them find a new GP.”

For more information and details on this closure email england.contactus@nhs.net