A CHURCH could be the saviour for hundreds of patients who lost their surgery last month.

St Andrew’s Church Hall in Sidcup could be converted to replace Longmead Drive Surgery in Albany Park.

It closed its doors to more than 2,000 patients on March 31 when its lease ended.

Bexley Care Trust (BCT) said all patients had been notified in writing.

Of the 2,660 people originally registered with the GP, Dr Ritchie, 650 have since registered at other surgeries.

A spokesperson for BCT said: “We have identified St Andrew’s Church as a suitable site for health services and have initiated discussions with the Rev Hildred about the use of the building for several days a week in a health community partnership. The trust will evaluate the health needs of the Albany Park area and is committed to working with local community groups to ensure that services are reintroduced to the area.”

The Rev David Hildred said BCT approached him on March 12 to explore if it was feasible to provide surgery services at the church in Maylands Drive.

He said: “I think it is important to find a site that is going to be convenient for people in this part of Sidcup. The alternatives on offer at the moment for some people mean two bus journeys or a train journey and then a bus journey.”

BCT and Bexley council identified St Andrew’s as a possible replacement after an initial spat over the sudden closure.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Members of the health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee were concerned in February that Bexley Care Trust had not consulted them about imminent closure of Longmead Drive Surgery. At that meeting they requested that the care trust work with council officers to identify alternative premises. Head of primary care at Bexley Care Trust, Jonathan Weaver, attended this month’s meeting and informed members that following discussions with the council’s planning department and meetings with Cray Meadows ward member, Cllr Ross Downing, they had identified possible alternative premises at St Andrew’s Church Hall. Mr Weaver explained that the care trust will be working with local residents to identify their requirements from a new surgery. Members of the committee have requested that they are kept informed of the progress of the surgery.”