A CHARD GP surgery that will close later this month said the decision was taken “due to ongoing staff shortages and recruitment problems”.

Springmead Surgery confirmed it “will be closing permanently” on Friday, February 24, and said that care will be transferred to Ariel Healthcare.

The surgery shared more information through a message published on its website: “We can confirm that Springmead Surgery in Chard will be closing permanently on Friday, February 24, 2023.

“Patients do not need to do anything. Care will be automatically transferred to Ariel Healthcare in Chard. We are working closely with Ariel Healthcare to ensure the smooth transfer of care.

“Patients should continue to contact Springmead for their healthcare needs, including prescriptions, until it closes.

“Patients will be receiving further communications in the coming weeks.

“This difficult decision has been taken due to ongoing staff shortages and recruitment problems, an issue that affects the NHS nationally.

“We would like to thank all the practice staff who are working hard at an extremely challenging time to care for their patients. We would ask patients to be kind to staff in these difficult circumstances.

“If you have any questions about the closure please contact NHS Somerset’s helpline on 0300 303 6409 or email somicb.providehelpline@nhs.net

“The line is open between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, or you can leave a voicemail message with your contact details and someone will respond.”