A WHITEHAVEN GP surgery is set to close next month following the retirement of its only doctor.

Dr Judith Spencer, who runs the Catherine Street Surgery, will see her last patients on Friday, July 29.

Around 2,600 patients will then be transferred to a nearby surgery, Whitehaven Medical Centre, run by Dr Tom Ickes.

The Catherine Street staff, which includes two practice nurses, a health care assistant and five receptionists, will also move to the new surgery. While the practice manager at Catherine Street, Vivien King, will be leaving tomorrow to take up a new post as assistant practice manager at Lowther Medical Centre.

Dr Spencer, who has been a GP at the surgery for seven years, officially retires on July 31 with the practice closing for the last time on July 29 at 6.30pm.

She said: "I have enjoyed my time at the surgery and will miss the patients because they have been a big part of my life.

"I have always tried to improve and maintain a high standard of care for patients and their families.

"It is the end of a long journey but a new challenge is ahead to maintain good patient care.''

At its last Care Quality Care inspection in 2014, the Catherine Street Surgery received "good'' ratings for safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership.

Inspectors found patients had good access to the practice and the staff treated them with kindness and respect.

Practice manager, Vivien, has worked at the Catherine Street Surgery for 14 years starting as a practice nurse and medicine manager.

She said: "It has been lovely working with such great colleagues and patients. I will miss them all but I am looking forward to new challenges.''

Staff and patients from Catherine Street Surgery will be transferred to Whitehaven Medical Centre from August 1.

Any Catherine Street patients requiring their medication at the end of July are asked to order please order a week early.