Sheffield GP surgery to close over Christmas due to 'unprecedented’ staff sickness

An ‘unprecedented level’ of illness among GPs and nurses has meant that the Practice is unable to staff both Manor Park Health Centre and Park Health Centre, on Duke Street, to a sufficient level during the usual 8.15am to 6pm weekday shifts.

Remaining staff have therefore been forced to close the medical centre in order to maintain patient safety.

Attempts were made to secure the necessary temporary cover staff to enable the Manor Park centre to stay open, however this was unsuccessful.

The intention is to re-open the centre as soon as it is possible to do so.

During this time, all registered patients will be able to access Park Health Centre, 190 Duke Street, which remains open as usual.

While Manor Park is closed, the staff from this centre will be working at Park Surgery, where all patients will be seen. Park Surgery is a large health centre and able to cope with a higher number of patients in winter.

Clare Normington, Practice Managing Partner said: “Patient safety is our number one priority. Due to unprecedented sickness, we have taken the difficult decision to close the surgery in the short-term in the best interests of our patients’ and staff.

“We are fully committed to getting the surgery open again just as soon as we have enough clinical staff to provide safe, quality services.”

Clare continued: “To help patients get to Park Surgery we are looking at options such as providing a shuttle bus between sites. If Manor Park patients need to see a GP or nurse, they should call the usual number of 0114 2727768”.

Dr Terry Hudsen, Chair at NHS Sheffield CCG, added: “During this difficult time, the CCG is supporting the practice in terms of sourcing locum GPs and nurses, and providing clinical leadership.

“Other organisations in Sheffield such as Primary Care Sheffield, neighbouring practices, and the Local Medical Committee have rallied around the practice and are looking at different ways of seeing patients such as clinical pharmacists reviewing patients’ medication, nurses to manage people living with long-term conditions and immunisations, and ring-fencing appointments for the practice at nearby satellite hubs.

“We’ll work with the practice to get the surgery up and running as soon as we can and will ensure the impact on patients is as minimal as possible.”

If patients get ill, they should ring their practice as usual. However, there are a number of health services available for less serious conditions and injuries.

If patients are ill and they’re not sure what service to use, please call NHS 111.

This free phone service can give you advice about which NHS services are open and able to help you with your problem. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.