Ceiling collapsed as flood hit Derbyshire GP surgery

A flood in a Derbyshire GP surgery caused the ceiling to collapse and hit several consulting rooms.

A leak in a tank at the Hannage Brook GP practice, in Wirksworth, caused the flood which also left the bottom floor of the building under a foot of water, according to NHS Derby and Derbyshire.

It happened on Monday morning, but 24 hours later the practice was operating nearly as normal.

GPs at the practice said: "Our hearts sank when we saw what had happened."

NHS Derby and Derbyshire said the flood on the first and ground flood caused the electricity and IT equipment to stop working.

The practice put in place alternative arrangements for patients who needed urgent appointments. By Monday afternoon it was able to see some patients.

The practice is now providing a normal service, although significant restoration works are required to the building over the coming months.

Dr Penny Blackwell and Dr Phil Packer, GP partners at Hannage Brook, said in a statement: "Our hearts sank when we saw what had happened to our practice and stepped into a foot of water downstairs.

"We couldn't possibly have opened. However, within a short time we were able to put in place actions that ensured we could keep our patients and staff safe and to get ourselves up and running again.

"We are very grateful for the support and understanding of our patients and community who were supportive, offering practical support such as help in cleaning up and places to consult, as well as giving us space when we were under significant duress, to get our service back on its feet."

Clive Newman, director of primary care for NHS Derby and Derbyshire, said: "The team of GPs, healthcare professionals, administration and reception staff at Hannage Brook threw themselves into the recovery operation and did a brilliant job."

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