A GP surgery is moving from its current premises to a larger site.

Finch Hill practice in Douglas is preparing to move to larger premises in the capital to accommodate an expanding operation and provide improved facilities for patients and staff.

The vacant former Promenade Medical Centre is to be the new home for Finch Hill surgery from this April, with the closure of one Douglas practice offering opportunities for the island’s first sexual assault referral centre. Further details on the project are due soon.

The Department of Health and Social Care said Finch Hill has taken on a significant number of patients who were formerly with the Promenade practice, which closed in June.

The first floor of Chester Street car park is larger than Finch Hill’s, with two additional and more spacious consulting rooms, ample space for patient records and better access. The move is due to take place around Easter.

Finch Hill’s Dr Helen Freer said: ’Having taken on almost 2,000 extra patients we have simply run out of space.

’The consulting rooms at our new location will improve patient and staff comfort whilst carrying out examinations and minor surgical procedures.

’It will also ensure we can continue as a GP training practice whilst accommodating our valued healthcare colleagues who run antenatal clinics, phlebotomy and health visitor drop-in clinics.’

Dr Freer added: ’I understand that the move might be frustrating for patients who have recently relocated to Finch Hill from Loch Prom but these things can’t be timed perfectly. We are contacting patients by email and letter to explain our proposals, and we’re keen for their feedback on our plans - which can be given in our online patient survey.

’After 15 happy years in Kensington Road, everyone at the Finch Hill practice is looking forward to starting a new chapter in the centre of Douglas.’

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’The department is grateful that Finch Hill has taken on a substantial number of new patients.

’The new site will provide convenient access for patients, and additional facilities.

’Plans for the relocation of the surgery were in place before the development of our Covid-19 vaccination hub nearby in Chester Street, and recently the two projects have progressed in tandem.’

GPs at the Snaefell Surgery in Anagh Coar have warned it could close after branding a new contract offered by the DHSC as ’wholly insufficient’.

But Mr Ashford told MHKs this week that he hoped the GPs would reconsider their decision to serve notice - and insisted the practice will stay open, if necessary under new management.