A GP surgery is to close because the building is "not fit for purpose".

The Pall Mall Branch site, known as the Southbourne Grove Surgery, at 314 Southbourne Grove, Westcliff, will close on November 30.

The decision was taken by the Southend Clinical Commissiong Group on the basis that the building is not fit for purpose and requires significant investment to ensure that it meets the required regulations.

The Pall Mall GP Surgery took over the running of the Southbourne Grove Surgery in September last year and ran services from both sites.

A number of areas requiring improvement have been identified at the Southbourne Grove site to ensure it meets Health and Safety, Fire and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.

From November 30, patients of the Southbourne Grove Surgery will need to call Pall Mall Surgery, based at Leigh Primary Care Centre, 918 London Road, Leigh, for appointments.

Dr Nagle, Senior GP Partner at Pall Mall GP Surgery said: “This was not an easy decision to make.

"We have, however, spoken to our Patient Participation Group to help identify any concerns from the patients’ perspective.

"Patients are already used to visiting the main building by way of appointment, enhanced access, extended opening hours, full GP and nursing availability during core hours.

"We would like to reassure patients that there will be no reduction in clinical service, in fact there are plans to increase our workforce in 2019.

"There will be information in the branch surgery about the proposed move as well as information on services and access to Leigh Primary Care Centre.

"Concerns raised will be considered by the the surgery and wherever possible these will be addressed in a positive fashion.

"Should patients have any concerns, they can speak with our Practice Manager.”

Elizabeth Mashford, patient representative at Pall Mall GP surgery said: “Members of the Patient Participation Group have discussed the proposal to close the Southbourne Grove site and have listened to and understood all the reasons.

"Patients have been using the main site for the past 12 months, there has been good feedback and patients agree they will benefit from a more modern premises."