After losing five GPs in the past year, a Suffolk surgery has announced a host of changes, including taking on no more new patients to meet demand. 

In an email sent out to patients, the Needham Market Country Practice Partnership revealed a turbulent 12 months in which two GPs moved abroad, two retired and one left due to "workload pressures".

Since the closure of Claydon and Barham Surgery in June 2021 it has resulted in an additional 2,000 patients being added to their lists, significantly increasing their practice population.

As a result, the practice will be stopping their personalised patient lists, meaning it is unlikely that patients will now be able to speak to the same clinician for all their medical needs.

They have also temporarily closed their list for new patient registrations - this can be done for up to three months in the interest of patient safety without having to seek permission from their Integrated Care Board.

In a joint statement, Dr. C. Lewis, Dr. C. Roberts, Dr. J. Messenger, Dr. J Phelan and Dr. C Toquero said: "We are doing our utmost to try and replace all GP Partners that have left or are leaving.

"However, recruitment at this time is very difficult and taking longer than expected. For this reason, we need to change the way we work."

Despite this pressure, patients of the practice have taken to Facebook to thank staff for their efforts in difficult circumstances.

The general practitioners added: "It is no secret that General Practice is in a crisis throughout the country at the moment.

"We are working closely with the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board to ensure provisions are in place to continue providing care to our patients.

"We are holding regular meetings with them to keep them updated on our situation."

While it adopts this new way of working, the practice is asking patients not to call to chase blood results and to contact hospitals directly to chase referrals.

The email went on to detail: "Our most important request is for patients to have patience with our staff because the abuse they suffer is increasing.

"Patient abuse is causing staff to leave which ultimately puts more strain on serving our patients.

"Please also remember that derogatory comments on social media about the practice hinders recruitment."