A village GP surgery serving thousands of patients in the Fens is moving back into a purpose-built health centre after almost a year in temporary accommodation.

The Terrington St John practice moved out of the village's health centre last November after its new owners failed to agree a deal with the outgoing partners.

This meant Peterborough-based primary care group First Health had to move doctors, nurses and receptionists into the village's Scout hut before moving into portable buildings in the village.

But NHS Norfolk has today confirmed that patients in and around Terrington St John will be able to see their doctor or nurse in the health centre next Monday (August 15).

Neil Wilson, director at First Health, said: 'We believe this is a very good move for our patients.

'Moving our surgery out of portable accommodation in the centre of the village to the former St John's surgery building has taken careful planning to ensure continuity of service.

'We are delighted that the surgery will now be based in this purpose-built building and look forward to providing the best possible services to our patients.'

Building works have been carried out to ensure the building complies with new infection control standards which are being introduced by the Care Quality Commission in 2012/13.

New sinks, floors and other fittings have all been installed along with a reception desk. A clinical deep clean is due to take place to ensure the surgery is ready for patients on schedule.

Nikki Cocks, NHS Norfolk's director of primary care, said: 'We are delighted that the village surgery is coming back into use for patients in the surrounding areas and we very much hope it finds favour with patients.'

The purpose-built surgery will also offer facilities to bring services into the community that patients currently have to travel to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, to access.

The first new service planned is anti-coagulation blood testing which should commence in September.

Mr Wilson continued: 'We are looking to provide services to save patients and the people who have to take them the time and cost of travelling to hospital.'

The temporary units in Church Road will be closed all day on Friday to enable to practice to start the move.

Urgent patient appointments will be carried out at the branch surgery in Terrington St Clement. Patients requiring treatment that is not urgent or an emergency are being asked to book appointments for Monday onwards.