A WORCESTER surgery has announced its closure this spring blaming "challenges with recruitment" and "rising costs". 

Farrier House Surgery, based in Farrier Street in Worcester city centre, has announced the closure on its website and in a letter to patients. 

The surgery's website includes a link to the letter which says: "We are writing to tell you that Farrier House Surgery will be closing and that you will need to register with another GP practice.  

"Due to challenges with recruitment and rising costs, we are unable to continue to operate and therefore we have taken the difficult decision to close the practice on Friday, March 1.

"We have worked closely with our NHS partners over many months to find someone to take over the running of this practice, but unfortunately have been unsuccessful."

Worcester News: SURGERY: Farrier House Surgery is closingSURGERY: Farrier House Surgery is closing (Image: Martin Humby)

The surgery says nine practices in Worcester are welcoming a share of Farrier House patients onto their lists. 

It says Farrier House patients will receive a text message this week with a link to a nearby GP practice where they will be able to register online.  

"If you are not set up to receive text messages from us - or if you do not wish to register with the GP practice that is recommended to you in the text message - you can choose to register with any practice that is currently accepting new patients if you live within their boundary area," patients are being told. 

"Please note that if any practice is full, you may be asked to register elsewhere.

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"We would like to assure you that you will be able to continue to access the services at Farrier House Surgery until the closure.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We would like to reassure you that no one will be left without a GP practice as a result of these changes."

The letter has been signed by Claire Goodall, chief executive officer of SW Healthcare; Dr Laura Samuel, clinical director of Worcester City Primary Care Network and Lynda Dando, director of Primary Care Transformation at NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

A further note on the practice's website adds: "We hope that during our operation, we have provided you with excellent medical care and advice.

"We can assure you that other practices in the city are able to provide you with equal levels of care, so rest assured that your health is a priority for all NHS staff in the city."