DOCTORS from Evesham are frustrated over the delay in building a new health centre and claim with increasing numbers of patients they cannot to offer a high level of service.

Doctors at the Abbey Medical Practice and the Merstow Green health centres reported to the Journal back in April they were angry over the delay for a new health centre and two months on - the problem remains.

Medical staff at the practices believe a new health surgery is desperately needed to meet patients requirements and to introduce more services to clients, which currently they cannot do.

Practice manager from Abbey Medical Richard Allen said: "We were initially approached and asked by the PCT if we would like to have new premises and two years later - we still have nothing. We are all extremely frustrated because of this situation. We are desperate to take on additional staff."

Planning permission combining the two practices at Merstow Green was approved last December. Plans to temporarily shift clinical services along Abbey Road during building work were also passed.

The project has been delayed while health chiefs at South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust consider permanently siting the new health centre in Abbey Road next to a proposed new hospital.

Both practice managers are against the move owned by Wychavon District Council was once used as an abattoir and a sewage plant and could be prone to flooding.

Dr David Farmer, of Merstow Green Health centre, said: "With the increasing work load and more patients this building that was built in the 1970s is simply not big enough for the 21st century."

In a statement the PCT's Mike Ridley said: "I am hopeful that we will know the outcome of the feasibility study within the next two weeks and then I will be in a better position on how to move this issue forward."