GP surgery remains closed after roof lead stolen
GoogleNo date has been set for the reopening of a GP surgery which was forced to close after lead was stolen from its roof.
The lead was removed from Rowlands Gill Medical Centre in Gateshead on 8 May, hours before a storm hit the area, causing damage to the roof structure, electrics, ceilings and plasterwork.
Gateshead Healthcare GP Practices told patients a date was not yet set for the surgery's reopening as it was working with the landlord's insurers to gain approval for the repairs.
It said patients were able to access services in Blaydon, Crawcrook and Ryton and it was carrying out extra checks on vulnerable patients.
"We are very sorry about the disruption to services but we are unable to return to the building until the repairs are complete and it is safe to use," a spokesperson said.
The damage is so severe the practice said scaffolding would be needed both inside and outside the building.
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board said the building was "simply not fit for use".
"We are working closely with the practice team and all relevant partners to support the restoration of the building and ensure patients continue to have access to GP services during this period," they said.
"While there are a number of technical and legal issues that need to be resolved before the building can safely reopen, this remains the shared priority for everyone involved."
