FEARS of a staffing shortage at a Widnes GP practice have been dispelled.

Patients claim they are struggling to get appointments at the Newtown surgery at the health care resource centre in Caldwell Road.

A housebound dad-of-three, aged 50, said: “When you ring up it is constantly engaged. When you eventually get through, all the appointments have gone.

“We’ve heard that two doctors are leaving which would only leave us with one. We are all concerned.”

Practice manager Andy Wilmore has reassured the practice’s 7,700 patients that there is nothing to worry about.

He confirmed that senior partner Dr Araf Arain and female GP Dr Divya Mohan are staying whilst Dr Subhakanta Choudhury will shortly be replaced.

Mr Wilmore said: “A doctor is leaving at the end of the month. We will still have two full-time doctors.

“We have advertised for another full time doctor.

“We will be getting a locum in the meantime.”

He said a full-time nurse clinician, who can prescribe drugs, is also available to see patients.

An advance nurse practitioner, who can tend to minor illnesses, is being recruited.

Mr Wilmore added: “You don’t have to see a doctor for a cold or a rash on the leg.

“We need to educate patients so they understand that our nurse clinician is only a little bit less qualified than a doctor.

“She can always consult with a doctor and refer patients for fast track treatment.

“We also have a problem with patients failing to turn up for appointments.”

He said 326 patients did not attend in December alone, costing £4,500.

Mr Wilmore said he is willing to meet patients to discuss any issues and urges them to join the practice’s patient participation group.

He added: “Our phones are busy but we are doing all we can.

“We never turn away emergencies.”

He said patients can now book and cancel appointments and order repeat prescriptions online.

A spokesman for NHS England in Merseyside said: “NHS England is committed to ensuring patients have access to safe, high quality primary care services.

“We are aware a GP at Newtown surgery retired in September 2014. Since then the practice has made appropriate provision to cover the required clinical sessions for their patients.”

Dr Stanley retired last year.