PEOPLE who use St Damian's surgery, in Melksham, will no longer be able to as it will be closing.

The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have given permission for St Damian’s branch surgery, on Spa Road, to close.

Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership’s (BoAMHP) made an application to close the surgery from March 31.

Dr Janice Patrick, senior partner, said in a statement to patients: "The practice is sad, as it recognises that there are many loyal patients who have been with the surgery for a number of years, some all of their life.

"We are grateful to those 600 plus patients who have contacted us during the consultation period, we have been regularly updating the frequently asked questions document on our practice website (www.boamhp.co.uk) in response to concerns raised and will continue to do so as we move towards the closure date on March 31 2020.

"The partners would like patients to be aware that it is as a last resort, in light of challenging recruitment environment and to ensure patient and staff safety, that this application was submitted."

People were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the closure and patients were consulted.

The Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership first submitted an application to close the branch in November 2018 but it was rejected in January 2019.

Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group said in January 2019 it was ‘unable to support this application, at this time’.

The surgery have now had a second application approved.

Dr Patrick added: "St Damian’s registered patients who wish to remain as patients with Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership, continue to be welcome at all of our practice sites up to and beyond March 31 when St Damian’s branch surgery permanently closes its doors.

"If you wish to remain a patient of Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership you do not need to take any action, your registration will automatically be transferred to the Bradford on Avon Health Centre on March 31.

"A patient who may not wish to travel to Bradford on Avon or Winsley to access clinical care, is able to register at an alternative surgery of their choice.

"There are two Melksham GP Practices who are accepting patients, Giffords Surgery: www.giffordssurgery.co.uk, SN12 7EA and Spa Medical Centre: www.spamedicalcentre.co.uk, SN12 6UN."