A doctor’s surgery is under investigation by the NHS after allegations that it has been shutting its doors and ignoring patients.

Today, NHS England confirmed to the Guardian that a team is looking into Abridge Surgery and the serious accusations made by patients.

A spokesman for NHS England said: “We take any complaints very seriously and we will be reviewing the allegations against the surgery, based upon the evidence presented to us. 

“There are standard contractual procedures to be followed if it is proven that there has been any breach of service.”

Patient Tony Booth, 40, claims that there are a number of issues at the Ongar Road surgery, from staff shortages to the surgery closing without warning.

He said: “Basically the reality is nobody has any idea what is going on down there.
 

“The surgery has been shutting on Wednesday afternoons as contracted but on Thursday it closed, too.

“It has been going on for ages. The doctors do not bother to get a locum in.
 

“The phone lines get put onto the out of hours service. The receptionists say that they can’t answer the phone unless the doctor is there.
 

“It’s totally wrong. There are hundreds of people in this village who rely upon that surgery.”

The practice, lead by doctors Douglas Colvin and Ben Isinkaye, is advertised online as being open from 9am until 6pm each day, except Wednesdays.

NHS England has launched an investigation into claims that doors have been locked with signs telling patients that the surgery is shut on several occasions.

Patients with complaints should contact the NHS England Contact Centre on 0300 3 11 22 33 or by email to england.contactus@nhs.net

The surgery has been contacted for comment.