A DOCTOR’S surgery facing closure in Witney will remain open until next year so that patients have time to register with another practice.

The 4,400 patients at Deer Park Medical Centre in Edington Square will have until March 31, 2017, to make alternative arrangements after Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group managed to extend the current contract with Virgin Care, which was due to expire on November 3.

Last month's announcement that the surgery would close stunned many patients and councillors, many of whom raised concerns there was no viable alternative in place.

A letter sent to patients from the CCG said: “We understand that the decision to close will be distressing to patients of Deer Park, but we feel this is the only realistic option available.

“We have recently agreed with Virgin Care that the current contract can be extended until March 31, 2017, in order to ensure that all patients have plenty of time to choose and register with another practice. This will also enable other local practices to be fully prepared to take on other patients when Deer Park closes.

“This means that you can continue to be seen by your GP at the Deer Park surgery where services will continue as usual.”

Oxfordshire CCG has been working with three other Witney surgeries: The Windrush Medical Practice, Nuffield Health Centre and Cogges Surgery. The letter said that all three have 'plenty of capacity' to welcome new patients. It also said that it would issue further information about the other surgeries and how to register with them after Christmas.

County councillor for Witney Laura Price, whose petition to the CCG to retain Deer Park Medical Centre has gathered more than 400 signatures, said: "I'm pleased an extension has been reached but given the appointment waiting times at other surgeries, the expected growth in West Witney, plus the pressure on community hospitals and John Radcliffe, dispersing is not the answer.

"I'd urge the CCG to work with the other surgeries to keep the Deer Park site open."

Mrs Price plans to call on the CCG to hold a public discussion with other GP surgeries in the area to find a way forward that retains GP presence on the Deer Park site.

The contract for general medical services at Deer Park was put out to tender by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group in March but, despite prolonged negotiations with bidders, the process ended with no contract being awarded.