Health centre partially shut over mystery illness

A health centre remains partially closed as tests continue into air quality issues that have caused staff to feel unwell.

The site on West Road in Caister-on-Sea in Norfolk, which accommodates a doctors' surgery, dental practice and pharmacy, was first evacuated on 29 April when 16 people felt unwell.

The Caister Health Centre site shut again a week later on 6 May, with each practice saying it would remain closed until Monday to allow for tests.

But in a statement issued earlier, East Norfolk Medical Practice, which runs the GP service, said: "We will remain closed until further notice whilst the site continues to be investigated."

East Norfolk Medical Practice said while the doctors surgery and dental practice remained closed, the Wellbeing pharmacy was fulfilling prescriptions.

"We will do our best to help and understand that shutting has been a huge inconvenience and we are as desperate as you are to resume our usual service," the pharmacy said in a Facebook post.

The East Norfolk Medical Practice said it was arranging patient appointments at other sites.

The first incident on 29 April led to four people taking themselves to hospital with symptoms including headaches and tiredness.

But seven days later the site was evacuated by centre managers and emergency services were called.

Checks by gas network operator Cadent and Anglian Water, which operates the sewer network, found no issues.

Contractors were appointed to investigate air quality, which led to the centre remaining shut.

One member of staff, who did not wish to be identified, told the BBC after the first incident they had windows and doors open because of hot weather.

But that the site was locked shut over the bank holiday weekend and when they returned to work on 6 May, it was colder and the doors and windows were shut, and staff began to feel unwell again, leading to the centre being closed until further notice.

The closure of the pharmacy has put additional pressure on the Well Pharmacy in Caister, which has asked for patience due to increased demand.

It said most prescriptions could be collected at other pharmacies.

In a Facebook post, it said it did "not have the ability to fulfil every prescription transferred immediately" due to "staffing levels and the need to often order items in that are required".

"We understand that this is frustrating for many people but we can only do so much. The past two days have been relentless and we have been working flat out," the post said.

"If we are unable to fulfil your prescription in the time frame required, we would appreciate your patience and understanding. We will endeavour to do so as soon as possible."

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