Patients say the future of their health centre is “up in the air” after being told it would not be reopening in October as planned.

East Barnet Health Clinic was closed in June 2014 after asbestos was discovered in the building but after more than a year, work has finally been completed.

But doctors have refused to sign a new lease which would effectively leave them in control of the building and want more time to negotiate it with NHS Property Services.

In the meantime, the practice will not be able to open on October 2 as planned.

GPs had been temporarily working from the Vale Drive Clinic in High Barnet – but their agreement runs out on October 2 – leaving people unable to visit a doctor.

Helen Pryce, a practice member, has been left “appalled” by the situation.

The 48-year-old said: “Are they going to end up treating the patients on the street corner? It certainly seems like it might end p that way.

“It’s all completely up in the air. Nobody knows what is going on or when the doctor’s surgery is going to reopen.

“I am furious about this and I am not the only one. People have been very vocal about this.

“The doctors don’t want to rush into signing a lease and want more time, which is completely fair enough.”

They also say there is currently a Health Centre Licence on the East Barnet building which is legally binding and should entitle them to use of it.

Earlier this year, people said they were being “kept in the dark” over when the asbestos would be removed.

The Vale Farm Clinic is a 20 minute bus ride or a 30 minute walk away from East Barnet and many were unable to travel the distance.

The campaign for answers about the health centre has been backed both by Barnet Labour councillors and Barnet MP Theresa Villiers.

In a letter to NHS Property Services, Barnet Labour wrote: “We are very concerned that the legal negotiations over a lease will delay their return, and we urge you to remove any obstacles to the GPs going back as soon as the centre is ready to be occupied.

“They can then treat their patients while negotiations continue over the lease issue.”

Theresa Villiers said: “I urged both sides to get back round the table and try to agree terms. Even if there are issues which cannot be resolved until the national negotiations conclude, surely some agreement in principle could be reached on other key matters?”


NHS Property Services said in a statement: "Concerns about a delayed return to East Barnet Health Centre are premature, as work has yet to be completed. 
 
"However, we can reassure you that we are working closely with the GPs to ensure all the correct, professional and proper arrangements are in place prior to completion. 
 
"To that end, a meeting is planned for Wednesday which will be attended by our Regional Asset Manager who is the most senior person in respect to property matters in London.

"It is our desire to reach a proper agreement that safeguards the GPs, and their patients, in respect of the ongoing occupation of the East Barnet Health Centre."