A WINCHESTER doctors’ surgery has closed its doors unexpectedly following problems with its building.

The Kings Worthy branch of the Friarsgate Practise closed just before Christmas, and a letter was sent to patients on Christmas Eve.

It said the city council leased building in Pound Road is not a “purpose built medical facility” and therefore has “limitations”.

The letter, from Robert Wood, practice business manager, said: “The current facilities, we feel, now fall short of what you should expect as a patient of this practice and in order to continue to provide you with the highest possible standards of care and environment we are sadly closing the Pound Road branch surgery, as a temporary measure, due to our concerns over those urgent repairs and changes that are required.

“We are in discussions with our landlords as to the likelihood of urgent repairs being undertaken and we hope to have all services up and running as soon as we can.

“In the meantime all regular services will be available from our surgery in Stockbridge Road.”

Mr Wood also said that it is not known when the surgery will reopen.