Bexhill GP surgery shut after staff test positive for Covid-19

Collington Surgery, in Terminus Road, shut its doors to allow for deep cleaning to take place. Any patients who require urgent face-to-face appointments are being redirected to the Ninfield branch surgery.

A spokesperson for the NHS East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed that no patients had been in contact with the staff members affected.

The surgery said it hoped the closure would only last for “a couple of days”.

A spokesperson for the NHS East Sussex CCG said: “While Collington Surgery is physically closed to enable deep cleaning to take place, the GP practice is still operating on a telephone basis and asks that patients only contact their teams by phone or Engage Consult at this time. Urgent face-to-face appointments will take place at the Ninfield branch surgery for the time being.

“Please do not go to either surgery for any reason unless you are asked to do so. The surgery and the CCG will provide regular updates to keep you informed of progress and we are working hard to ensure things are up and running again as soon as possible.

“In line with NHS Test and Trace procedures, several staff members are currently self-isolating. Patient and staff safety is our top priority and self-isolation will help to protect fellow staff members, patients and members of the public.

“The surgery is working closely with the NHS and Public Health England, who are not recommending any patients self-isolate and are in contact with those staff members affected, so patients do not need to contact the surgery.

“The surgery has planned for any possible staff shortages due to isolation and sickness, and aim to continue to give you the best possible care at this difficult time, although their phone lines may be busier than usual. If you have a booked appointment they will contact you about next steps.”