MP labels temporary closure of Thorney GP surgery as 'unacceptable' - and launches campaign to re-open the practice as soon as possible

A Thorney GP surgery has said they will be temporarily closing to patients for ‘staff and patient safety’ reasons.

The Jenner Healthcare Practice, located in Wisbech Road, Thorney, has said all services will now be moved to the sister branch in Eye – located four miles away – ‘until further notice.’

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow has labelled the decision as ‘unacceptable.’

In a statement on their website and on their social media, a spokesman for the surgery said: “Due to ongoing staff shortages, a decision has been taken to temporarily close the Thorney branch of Jenner Healthcare and for all Thorney & Eye staff to work from the Eye site.

“This difficult decision has been made following discussion with the Clinical Partnership and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (C&PCCG).

“The Thorney phone lines are diverted to our Eye branch and all services will be provided from our Eye site until further notice.

“Our clinical capacity remains the same and patient services will not be affected.

“We thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Following the announcement, Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said he was urging Jenner Healthcare to reverse their decision.

He said: “This is unacceptable and I shall campaign for it to reopen as soon as possible.”

Cllr Steve Allen, who represents the Eye, Thorney and Newborough ward, said : “I have been told that the issue is with the number of admin staff, rather than medical staff, and it is hoped the surgery will be back up and running within a couple of weeks.

"I have been reassured that there is no safety issue concerning medical staff.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG said: "Thorney Medical Practice is temporarily closed due to staffing levels. Patients can still contact the practice as normal and will be cared for from the Eye Medical Practice site. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause patients.”

The surgery was rated as ‘good’ by CQC inspectors in their latest inspection, which took place in April this year.

The Peterborough Telegraph has contacted Jenner Healthcare for a comment