Littlehampton GP Surgery Premises Shut After Three Positive Coronavirus Tests Among Staff

A GP surgery building in Littlehampton is closed until at least next Monday (January 18), after three staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Park Surgery in St. Floras Road says its continuing as many services as possible, but can't see patients face-to-face.

Its main message to patients this morning was:

"Please don't attend between now and next Monday."

"Then, call us again on Monday to organise any re-bookings."

Leading members of staff made the decision to close the premises on Tuesday evening, when the test results became known.

Its senior partner told More Radio this morning (January 13) anyone needing immediate and essential surgery treatment — such as wound dressing or other kinds of nursing care — should be referred to other surgeries nearby.

Likewise, consultations requiring urgent face-to-face discussions would be dealt with by neighbouring GPs.

Dr. Tim Kimber said the immediate priority was to ensure the safety of all its patients and staff.

To do this, the practice was expanding the work that its staff can do at home, and was co-operating with its local clinical commissioning group to ensure that extra computing and communications equipment was made available to workers.

Two staff members were attending the premises, but only to carry out essential work that cannot be carried out elsewhere.

The senior partner emphasised that, at all times, the surgery was following advice from Public Health England, and was engaging in close consultation with the authority to find the safest way forward.