CHAOS has hit Wellington Medical Centre’s car park just three weeks after the closure of Luson Surgery as thousands of patients transferred over.

This follows parking issues that occurred during the centre’s flu clinic on Saturday, October 18, where they were unable to cope with the amount of cars looking for a place to park, compounded by continuing issues on to Mantle Street.

This has led to patients at Wellington Medical Centre being asked to keep to their appointment times due to the higher number of patients being treated there.

After the closure of Luson Surgery last month, Wellington was left with just one remaining medical centre.

Luson Surgery had around 6,500 patients on its list, with the increased demand resulting in Wellington Medical Centre taking on five new doctors to provide 30 more sessions a week. It was also expected that they would see an increase of 40 per cent in its patient list.

Veronica Tatnall, chair of Wellington Medical Centre Patient’s Group, said: “Patients were then having to queue for some time before they could be vaccinated which was not ideal for the elderly or disabled.

“We try to be as flexible as possible but so many patients do not keep to their appointment times which causes the problems we had on Saturday.

“Appointments are made to ensure we have sufficient vaccine, please telephone and select the flu line which is open from 9.30am to 11.30am or speak to reception to make your appointment.

“Could I please ask all patients attending the remaining clinics to keep to their appointment time as this will in future be closely monitored. Thank you for your patience.”

Appointments can still be made for flu vaccinations by speaking to staff in the reception area or by calling in.