A VILLAGE GP surgery serving 6,500 patients is moving into temporary accommodation in a scout hut.

The Terrington St John practice is being taken over by Peterborough-based primary care group First Health.

But the outgoing partners have refused their offer of �475,000 for the surgery building.

From Monday doctors, nurses and receptionists will transfer to a temporary home in the village Scout hut. A nearby pub has also offered the use of its function room.

Portable buildings are on order, but are not expected to arrive until the middle of December.

Talks over the current surgery building have broken down completely, meaning First Health will have to build a new surgery - the village’s second in just over 10 years.

Last night Dr Luke Twelves, clinical director of First Health, said: “Unfortunately, the talks broke down but we have managed to secure a range of temporary buildings.

“We have spoken to a range of pharmacists and they’re going to do a delivery service for repeat prescriptions.

“We will have modular offices there within six weeks. The plan from our point of view is, taking account of patients’ suggestions, we’ll be looking for a site within the village for a permanent property and we hope to have that built within a year.”

Sources close to the negotiations have told the Wisbech Standard the figure requested by the outgoing partners was considerably more than the building was worth.

Ian Ayres, director of strategy and innovation at NHS Norfolk, said: “A letter has been sent to all patients at the practice, with details of the forthcoming change in premises and dispensing options.

“A number of local pharmacists have contacted First Health to offer interim solutions, on the basis of a collection and delivery service for prescriptions.”

The Terrington St John surgery number will remain for patients to make appointments on 01945 880471.

GPs Dr Ehdego, Dr Atcheson, Dr Lines, nurses and receptionists will all transfer over to the temporary practice from Monday.