PATIENTS of a Witney medical centre facing closure packed out Ceewood Hall to discuss the fight to save it.

The patient forum for the 4,400-patient Deer Park Medical Centre, in Edington Square, invited those concerned to the hall to discuss the future of the surgery – which could close in less than two months.

The contract for general medical services at Deer Park is currently held by Virgin Care but is due to expire on Thursday, November 3. The contract was put out to tender by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group in March but, despite prolonged negotiations with bidders, the process ended with no contract being awarded.

Chairwoman of the patient forum Brenda Churchill told those in attendance at the meeting that the first the forum had first heard of Oxfordshire CCG’s plans to close the facility at a meeting with Virgin Care on September 13.

She said: "There had been no consultation with the Patient Forum, Witney Town Council, West Oxfordshire District Council or Oxfordshire County Council.

“No one knew until after the decision had been made."

Staff at Oxfordshire CCG, NHS England, Virgin Care and other local GP practices are in discussions about the future provision of medical services for Deer Park patients.

CCG spokeswoman Suzanna Boyce said the priority was ensuring patients continue to have a good level of care throughout the process.

Two petitions that were launched urging Oxfordshire CCG to retain the surgery have amassed more than 700 signatures between them.