The Palatine Group Practice will be relocating to Braddan.

There's been much public opposition to the site, near the new Noble's Hospital, as many people registered with the surgery said they would find it difficult to get to the out of town location.

But Health Minister Eddie Teare (pictured) says the choice was made in the interests of meeting the immediate need to improve facilities at the practice.

Senior Partner at the Palatine practice, Doctor Frank Harding, acknowledges some patients will be unhappy with the decision, but stresses he and his colleagues can no longer cope with the inadequate accommodation and non-existent parking at the existing premises.

The DHSS will now seek expressions of interest from contractors and hopes construction on the new site will start in January next year.