A DOCTOR’S surgery has become “overwhelmed” with registration requests from patients desperate to find a new doctor as a nearby practice closes.

Ardingly Court Surgery said it cannot cope with the amount of patients looking to move from Eaton Place Surgery a mile away, which will shut its doors in Brighton on February 28 when the partners retire.

NHS England said the practice will not be replaced and has told some 5,000 patients to sign up at 15 other nearby surgeries instead, assuring them spaces were available.

A statement on Ardingly Court Surgery’s website said: “The surgery is currently overwhelmed with new patient registrations from Eaton Place.

“As such we are unable to deal with these requests until we have made a more complete plan with the NHS England area team.

“We are hoping to be able to provide further registration sessions in early January, and will confirm the dates of these as soon as possible.

“Eaton Place will be open until February 28 – please remain registered there until we are able to provide more information.

“We hope you understand, we need to be able to manage this demand safely so that we are able to provide effective care for those patients currently registered.”

New patients need to prove they live in the practice’s area.

Nancy Platts, Labour parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown, said: “There is clearly a demand for another surgery. People are telling me they are unable to register elsewhere and could face long journeys if they do.

“I have a real concern, particularly with the crisis at A&E at the moment, that people will turn to emergency departments instead, particularly if they live near the hospital – it is much nearer than the walk-in centre near the station.”

A NHS England Surrey and Sussex spokeswoman said: “So far over 1,200 patients, of a total of 5,600, have already registered with other practices.

“We are continuing to work with Eaton Place Surgery staff to support any remaining patients through this process.

“We are aware of the pressures some other practices are facing, including Ardingly Court Surgery, and we are supporting them in managing their increased lists of registered patients.

“We are confident that all patients will be able to smoothly transfer to a new GP practice before February 28.”

For a full list of nearby practices which NHS England suggests patients register at, click here.