A GP surgery on Canvey is running without a GP on site.

Healthcare bosses claim Grafton surgery, Long Road, Canvey still has a doctor because one is on site at its partner surgery 15 miles away.

But patients claim they are being told no doctors are available with nurses having to phone through diagnosis to check.

A spokesman for Castle Point and Rochford clinical commissioning group claim “there is no specific requirement” for a full time GP to be based at the practice because Grafton Surgery is a “branch site” of the Ashingdon Medical Centre, Lascelles Garden, Rochford.

The bosses also claim technically “there is full time GP cover” but patients disagree.

One said: “Our long term doctor has moved to another surgery and asked patients to follow him.

“I am wishing I had gone.

“Grafton Surgery is running without a doctor there and this was confirmed by receptionist.

“You get put in with a nurse or pharmacist and even then they go and double check your illness with a doctor who is running things from another surgery.

“How can they run like this and keep us safe.

“It is impossible to see a GP.

“The Ashingdon centre was supposed to save the surgery, but all they have done is dug it’s grave.

“Patients get out while you can.

“Save yourself as the doctors can’t, they don’t exist there.”

A commissioning group spokesman said: “There is full time GP cover of ten sessions per week so it is not the case that this branch site is running without doctors.

“Grafton Surgery is the branch site of another GP practice and not a standalone surgery so there is no specific requirement for a named GP to be aligned with that site only and GPs and clinicians are contracted to work across two sites.

“Along with the rest of the NHS, this practice is employing a wider clinical workforce to address patient needs more appropriately.

“This means there will be times when patients will be booked with another fully qualified clinician where this is appropriate for their needs and will be referred to a GP should this be necessary.

“We have spoken to the practice manager and are assured that have been engaging fully with their patient participation group in an effort to reassure patients and address potential concerns.”

The surgery declined to comment directly.