Fire destroys surgery

17 May 2010, 13:43 | Updated: 21 May 2010, 12:41

Three practices are having to relocate after Gold Street Medical Centre was severely damaged by fire over the weekend.

Its expected 20'000 patients will be affected by the closure, thats up to a third of Wellingborough's population.

Temporary services have been set up in Isebrook Hospital for the week, but at the moment that's for emergency GP appointments only. Doctors say they're hoping to offer routine appointments from Wednesday onwards.

NHS Northamptonshire says it's working with all three GP practices based in the centre  (Abbey Medical, Dr Datta and Partners, Dr Patel and Partners) to find alternative accommodation.

More than 50 people had to be evacuated from their homes near the Medical Centre on Saturday night as it was feared gas cannisters inside could explode.

Fire crews from 4 stations were called out to tackle the huge blaze, which started at around 9.15pm.

The cause of the fire's still under investigation but police say they are treating it as suspicious.

UPDATE  

Abbey Medical Practice: Castle Unit, Isebrook Hospital, Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough

Dr Datta and Partners and Dr Patel and Partners: Albany House Medical Centre, Queens Street, Wellingborough

Patients are asked to follow the direction signs on arrival to ensure they access the correct GP service.

Routine and emergency appointments can be made through the usual practice numbers as follows:

• Abbey Medical Practice: 01933 223429
• Dr Datta and Partners: 01933 230699
• Dr Patel and Partners: 01933 230666

 Patients who have difficulty getting through can also dial 03336 664664 as an alternative.

For the weekend of 22 and 23 May all three practices will be closed. For emergency and Out of Hours services patients should also call 03336 664 664.