One of Richmond Borough's best known GP surgeries has hit back at national criticism of doctors over a lack of face-to-face appointments.

The Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, is trying to promote access to GPs amid reports from across the country that people are being forced to accept online or telephone consultations.

A number of residents across the Richmond borough, including at least one retired GP, have complained about a lack of personal contact in this area.

However, Dr Christopher Watts, senior partner at the York Medical Practice, based at the St. John's Health Centre, Oak Lane, Twickenham, has published a statement confirming a commitment to personal consultations.

In a statement on the practice website, he says: "The last 18 months have been amongst the most challenging for our country since the inception of the NHS, and the upcoming winter is likely to continue this trend.

"In the light of recent negative coverage of GP services in certain sections of the national press, we wanted to take this opportunity to reassure you that we remain open for business, as usual."

The practice said it has taken on new doctors and a Physicians Associate, who work alongside the nursing team, to cope with extra patients.

Dr Watts, who is also involved in training GPs, said: "Since May, we have allowed you to choose face to face or telephone appointments, and we will continue to do so. Our waiting times for appointments remain very low compared to the national average, and we still maintain continuity so that you can regularly consult a practitioner of your choice.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"All our specialist clinics such as family planning, INR, asthma and diabetes continue to operate as normal. We firmly believe in offering you choice about how you use our services, as well as giving you swift access for urgent problems when needed.

"Our Covid vaccination programme continues, with more than 800 boosters given at our most recent clinic, and we continue to offer Flu vaccinations as we do every year.

"We will continue to provide high quality, accessible primary care services to our population, whatever the circumstances."