THE reason for the sudden closure of a medical centre has been revealed.

Seaford Medical Practice was shut on Friday morning with staff saying this was due to a "health and safety" issue.

The Argus contacted the NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) shortly afterwards and was told a statement would be given revealing the reason for the closure.

The CCG later said this would be released on Monday.

But, upon contacting the CCG on Monday, The Argus was told all enquiries involving medical centre closures had been referred to Brighton and Hove CCG.

A spokesman for the  the NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG has now issued a statement on the closure.

He said: “Seaford Medical Practice is now open as normal. 

“It was closed briefly on the morning of Friday due to an operational issue after a patient presented with flu-like symptoms. 

“This was a precautionary measure taken following NHS guidance. 

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

This follows the closure of the County Oak Medical Centre in Carden Hill, Brighton, on Monday after a GP who had worked at the surgery tested positive for coronavirus. 

Several other GPs in the city have since been closed due to links with the illness.