A GP surgery has apologised and said they are 'working hard' to recruit additional GP's after a number of patients said they could not get an appointment with their GP.

Patients at Highbridge Medical Centre spoke out on social media this week and complained that they could not get an appointment at the surgery despite making repeated calls.

The surgery in Pepperall Road has been struggling due to GP sickness since last year and is currently in the process of trying to recruit another GP.

One patient, who wishes to remain anonymous said she made several calls to the surgery earlier this week but was told that she would not be able to get an appointment.

"I tried to call several times throughout the day yesterday (April 2), avoiding peak times as advised on their website.

"I tried to call five or six times during my lunch break, I thought they were normally closed at lunchtime but there was nothing that said this on their website nor was there any message on the telephone to say they were closed.

"I finally got through about 5.40pm when I got home from work only to be told that even if I had got through earlier I wouldn't have got an appointment anyway.

"This morning (April 3) I went down to the surgery to make an appointment and even at 8.40am me and numerous others were told it was emergency appointments only. No doctors available. "When I asked the receptionist what the best course of action was to get an appointment was she said there really wasn't a way.

"In short they have a shortage of doctors hence a shortage of appointments."

A spokesman for Highbridge Medical Centre, said the centre has struggled due to GP sickness and apologised to patients for the disruption.

“The medical centre has recently experienced some short-term GP sickness that has meant some patients are waiting slightly longer than usual to see their preferred GP," the spokesman said.

"We are continuing to offer both emergency on the day and routine appointments with an appropriate member of the clinical team which also includes Nurse Practitioners.

"In addition, we are also working hard to recruit a permanent additional GP to support the current team. Where possible, during this time locum GPs are also supporting the team.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and would like to thank patients for their understanding.”

Have you been struggling to get an appointment at Highbridge Medical Centre? We want to hear from you. Email us at newsdesk@burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk or call 01823 365105.