Surgery at full capacity has to expand to cope

MANAGER SAYS IT WILL HAVE TO START REFUSING NEW PATIENTS IN YEARS TO COME

- By NIGEL SLATER Local democracy reporter

THE health of hundreds of people could be at risk if a Derby GP surgery does not expand, its practice manager has claimed.

The Vernon Street Medical Centre off Friar Gate has told Derby City Council it “faces the real possibility” of refusing more patients despite the area expecting hundreds more residents in years to come.

The full-capacity surgery has submitted plans to the council to effectively double the size of its premises in Vernon Street, near the city centre, to help significantly boost patient numbers.

Despite allowing extended opening hours on a couple of evenings per week, appointment slots are taken up very quickly - and more rooms are required.