MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has praised the outstanding teamwork which saw Minehead Medical Centre back in business after just half a day’s closure this week.
The centre abruptly closed on Tuesday after the Care Quality Commission announced it had failed to comply with an improvement notice.
Patients needing help were advised to call 111 or visit the minor injuries unit at Minehead Hospital.
But by Wednesday morning the surgery had returned to normal operations under the management of a new service provider.
Mr Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, said there had been a ‘magnificent’ response to the crisis by NHS Somerset.
“This matter suddenly erupted on Tuesday morning with no warning at all to patients and understandably in a town of 12,000 people where this is the only medical centre there was something approaching panic,” he said.
“I am afraid admin staff at the centre had to field a lot of angry calls from patients. But thankfully NHS Somerset immediately appreciated how serious the situation was and got the wheels in motion.
“That the surgery was able to open as usual and accept all patients with appointments on Wednesday was the result of outstanding teamwork and I congratulate all those involved.”
