A DOCTOR’s surgery which cares for more than 5,000 people has announced it is to close.

The New Surgery, in Tylers Ride, South Woodham Ferrers, sent a letter to patients last week telling them that the surgery will shut on March 31.

The contract held by the Practice Group is due to expire on that date and NHS England has decided to close surgery rather than renew the contract.

A spokesman for the Practice Group said: “We are deeply saddened by this decision, having delivered high quality patient care since 2011.

“We hoped to be able to re-tender for this contract to continue providing care to our patients.

“NHS England has made the decision to disperse the patient list of the surgery rather than re-procuring the contract through a formal process.

“The Practice Group remains fully committed to our patients and will continue to work with NHS England and Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure a smooth handover of patient care to the new providers and to support our patients during this transitional time.”

Discussions have taken place between the Practice Group and neighbouring surgeries, with Kingsway, Greenwood and Brickfields agreeing to take on patients from the surgery.

The New Surgery will continue to serve patients until the closing date on March 31 2017, however, patients must register for their new practice by Friday, February 17.

Alison Cowie, head of commissioning for NHS England in Essex, said the decision was taken after discussions with Kingsway, Greenwoods and Brickfields revealed they could handle the extra patients.

If patients have queries or concerns they can contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233 (local rate) or Healthwatch Essex on 0300 500 1895.