A DOCTOR'S surgery in Sale is set to permanently close its doors as its long-standing GP partner retires.

Patients of Derbyshire Road South GP surgery will be transferred to neighbouring practices, it has been announced, when Dr Richard Clare retires next month, after 34 years in charge.

On Monday, November 30, the practice will close its doors permanently and all patients are being automatically transferred to nearby practices and are being contacted directly to explain the change.

Dr Clare said: “I will miss practising at Derbyshire Road South very much.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my patients and wish them and their families all the very best for the future. It has been a privilege to be their doctor.”

Dr Mark Jarvis, GP and medical director at NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “On behalf of NHS Trafford CCG, I would like to thank Dr Clare for the continued hard work, dedication and support he has given to his patients over the past 34 years. We wish him a very happy retirement.

“We are committed to ensuring patients continue to receive safe and effective care.”