Repair work at a doctor's surgery that was subject to an 'arson attack' could take around three months to complete.
During the early hours of February 24, emergency services were called to Roby Medical Centre in Huyton, after reports of an incident. Fire crews found the ground floor well alight and multiple windows smashed. Detectives previously said it was clear that a deliberate attack had been launched on the practice and they appealed for information from witnesses.
The Roby Medical Centre remains boarded up as repair work is due to begin, but temporary arrangements have been put in place for current patients, including two new locations.
READ MORE: Owners 'deeply saddened' ' as arson attack ruins doctors' surgery
A spokesperson for the Knowsley NHS Clinical Commissioning Group said they are working with the practice to get services back up and running as soon as possible. They previously said: "Roby Medical Centre, Huyton, is temporarily closed due to an incident that took place during the evening of 23rd February 2022."
It has since been confirmed that repair work, via the building's insurance company, is due to commence which will take around three months to complete. During this time the practice will continue to operate on a "business as usual basis".
Patients needing to access the services will be able to from two local sites and it has been confirmed these temporary arrangements have been "smoothly implemented". A spokesman added that the practice continues to communicate with patients "on a regular basis" to ensure they are kept up to date on changes to how services are being delivered.
In January this year, the practice announced the start of two new partners, Dr Amir and Erika Howell, after Dr Shah left that month. According to the website, the practice continues to provide "excellent care" across the two temporary locations at Davey Chemist on Dinas Lane and Nutgrove Villa on Westmoreland Road.
Erika told the ECHO they hope to be back as soon as possible but have adjusted the temporary measures such as opening times for patients. She said: "We hope three months but you never know what they will find when repair work begins but all the patients are being so understanding and offering to help in any way they can. The kind thoughts are there. A massive thank you to all the patients and the staff too, they are working tirelessly to keep everything flowing smoothly."
In a statement on the website, Erika Howell and Dr Amir wrote: "The site is currently closed and under police investigation. Significant fire damage occurred along with destruction of electronic and medical equipment. We are working with the Clinical Commissioning Group, police and local council to get the practice back up and running as soon as possible.
"Many patients have been outraged that this has happened to their GP practice and we have had queries about a patient group. Every GP practice has a Patient Participation Group that acts as the voice of patients to shape and improve services. A meeting for the PPG is in the process of being arranged and we will update the website soon with the date of the meeting. If you wish to join the Patient Participation Group, please email roby.medicalcentre@nhs.net
"Thank you for your patience and understanding at what continues to be an unsettling time for the staff and patients. We have worked hard to significantly increase appointments since joining Roby Medical Centre. Our commitment to our goals of improving patient access and increasing appointments will continue, despite this setback. We ask for your understanding and patience at this time and we continue to value your feedback on how we can best meet your needs."
