WELL-KNOWN local GP Dr Francis Fernandez has decided to retire this summer from Hatherleigh Medical Centre and Beech House Surgery in Shebbear.

Dr Fernandez has resigned his contract for the two surgeries and it will formally end on August 2.

That will give time for NHS England, which commissions GP care, to find another provider to take on both surgeries with the aim of minimising disruption for patients.

Dr Fernandez has confirmed that the two buildings will continue to be available after he steps down.

Other providers are now being invited by NHS England to submit proposals to take on the contract to run both surgeries. The aim will be to retain current ways of working as far as possible.

The practice is currently rated as ‘inadequate’ overall by the Care Quality Commission, though services are rated as ‘good’ for being caring, effective and responsive to people’s needs.

Amanda Fisk, director of assurance and delivery at NHS England, said: ‘Our priority is to make the transition as smooth as possible for patients, so we’re very pleased that both surgeries will continue to be available.

‘Our aim is to find the provider who will best meet people’s needs across the local communities, building on the good services that are already in place.’

Dr Fernandez, who holds the contract with practice nurse/manager Maria Guerra-Jimenez, said: ‘It’s never easy giving up something you love, but now feels the right time to retire from the practice and hand over to someone else. We have both enjoyed immensely living and working here, serving a rural community where patients have become friends.

‘We’ll be doing all we can to make sure the transfer of care is as smooth as possible, and that the new providers know exactly how patients like things done.

‘We’ll both be around through spring and summer – our doors remain open and we remain as committed as ever to keeping our patients well.’

Letters are being sent to all 3,900 patients to explain the position, stressing that it is business as usual at both surgeries.