THE Department of Health will not proceed with plans to create a GP surgery at Michael Primary School.

The department had planned to house visiting Ramsey GPs in a part of the school that is surplus to capacity.

Under the plans the new surgery would have a separate entrance, waiting room, consulting room and toilets and to avoid congestion would not operate at the beginning or end of a school day.

However following a public consultation this idea has now been scrapped after 62 percent of people opposed the idea.

80 responses were received in total – with 31 (38 percent) of people in support for the idea and 49 (62 percent) not.

Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "It is disappointing that a unique community facility at the heart of the village is not to progress, but I recognise that the majority of those who responded to the questionnaire were content with the status quo."

Ramsey GPs are currently operating out of the Cannan Court sheltered housing complex.

A department spokesperson said: "The department has been unable to find more suitable premises for the part-time surgery presently located at Cannan Court and is progressing a further extension to the temporary planning approval to enable continued provision of surgery facilities on the site."

The Department of Education and Children has offered the use of a spare classroom at Michael Primary School as a possible part-time surgery.

Also see: Could Michael School house GP surgery?