HEALTH chiefs have revealed the new company chosen to run a Fenland village’s health centre.

Cambridgeshire-based First Health UK will take over at the Terrington St John Surgery by November 1.

The current partners, who quit the practice that serves more than 6,000 patients earlier this year, will continue to over-see the running until First Health UK takes over.

Nikki Cocks, NHS Norfolk’s director of primary care contracts, said: “We can assure the people of Terrington St John that all parties will be working towards a smooth transition and the continuity of primary medical services in the village.”

Members of the surgery’s patients’ group were told of the development at a meeting on Monday night and said one of the biggest problems was the turnover of GPs at the surgery.

Phil Cullen, from the patient’s group, said: “Doctors have been coming and going like no-one’s business.

“You couldn’t guarantee you’d get to see your own doctor. There’s some good doctors, there’s some really nice doctors there, we’re just worried they won’t stay.”

All staff at the centre, including GPs on the payroll, will be subject to the transfer of undertakings rules and should as a result keep their jobs.

Dr Simon Brown, medical director of First Health UK, said: “We are really looking forward to helping improve outcomes for the population at Terrington St John.

“We already provide high quality ethical care in Peterborough.”

Anya Payne, administration manager at the practice, said: “Both our patients and services manager, Jackie Dudley, and I, with the ongoing support of all our staff, will endeavour to work alongside First Health UK to ensure all of our patients receive the high standard of care that they require.

“We would like to ask for the patients’ support and their understanding to help during this transition period.”