A SHORTAGE of doctors and a raft of other concerns has led to the decision to close Tilehurst Medical Centre.

In a letter circulated to patients at the end of September, the partners of Milman Road Health Centre, who run Tilehurst Medical Centre, announced that the Norcot Road practice would shut its doors in November after 18 years of service.

The far reaching document touches on numerous concerns with the practice, including a shortage of GP's and nurses, which has the potential to compromise both professional competence and safety.

It also questions the ability of the building, which is a converted house, to remain compliant with Care Quality Commission's (CQC) expectations of a modern surgery and raises concerns about the safety of receptionists, who are often left alone in the building.

Following a period of public consultation closing on November 8, the practice's partners will submit their application for closure to the South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group for consideration.

If it is successful then Tilehurst GP's Dr Vaniya Nanu and Dr Jose Matthew will continue working at the larger surgery on Milman Road.

The letter suggests that patients of Tilehurst Medical Centre either move to the Milman Road surgery, which has additional services but also sits 4.5 miles away in central Reading, or else sign up to a closer general practice.

To offer your feedback, go to www.drkumarandpartners-reading.nhs.uk or write to Anne-Marie Dykes, Senior Manager at Milman Road Health Centre, 50 Milman Road, Reading, RG2 0AR.