A GP surgery has issued a statement amid suggestions it removed some patients who lived just minutes away from its register.

The Greenway Medical Practice in Cleckheaton confirmed staff held a fresh audit for patients who live outside its “defined boundary area”.

Patients who lived outside the catchment area then had 30 days to find a new surgery, a spokesperson confirmed.

One patient, who did not wish to be named, said the letter came as a shock as she lives a couple of miles away.

The woman, who needs regular medication and appointments for her health struggles, expressed her fears about moving to a new practice.

She said: “I received a letter out of the blue saying I had 30 days to find a new GP.

"My heart sank as I have severe anxiety and panic attacks and I find going to new places difficult. I can’t understand why after all these years I have to move.

“I don’t want to have to go through all my medication with a new doctor. I’m dreading walking into a new surgery. I know I will end up having a panic attack as it’s going to be all new and unfamiliar.”

The patient found a practice that agreed to take on her family, but it is further away than The Greenway.

“I’m just hoping I can’t get appointments as easy as I could at Greenway,” she said.

“With my medical issues I often need last minute emergency appointments, Greenway always fit me in.”

In a statement issued on behalf of the practice, a spokesperson said: “The Greenway Medical Practice has a defined boundary area and runs periodic searches to identify patients who have moved out of the area. When patients have moved out of our area they are asked to register with a surgery within their area.

“Patients who move out of the practice boundary can find their nearest surgery by visiting www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-GP or by contacting Primary Care Support England on 0333 014 2884.

“If people receive an out of area letter and feel it is a mistake, it’s important that they contact their current GP Practice. It is important that all GP practices work within their boundary to offer the best care to patients in their local area and to ensure that onward referrals to hospitals can be made, as they may not be accepted if the patient is living in a different area to the practice and/or hospital area.

“We are unable to comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality."