A PATIENT only found out his doctor's surgery was closing when a for sale' sign was fitted above the door.

Brian Macro, 64, branded the local primary care trust a disgrace for not writing to explain what was happening at the surgery in Hainault Road, Leytonstone.

He said: "They did not have the decency to inform me. I find it very disgraceful, then again maybe not. When you get over 60 in this country you become second class citizens.

"Why close a good surgery with good service? I trust them and rely on them. What happens to me now? I understand local doctors' lists are full. What doctors will want me with my problems?

"I don't want this extra worry. The way they are closing my surgery but not informing me I find disgraceful and disrespectful."

Dr Arani Chalapathy ran the surgery until his death in April. Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust said it had written to patients three times with information about the future of the practice, most recently on December 1.

Spokeswoman Sarah Empey said: "In April this year Dr Chalapathy tragically passed away. Dr Chalapathy worked within the local community for over 21 years and will be sadly missed."

Since that time there has been a temporary doctor working in the practice. As this was not a long-term solution, it was agreed that the list would be advertised as a vacancy and other GPs would be invited to apply to take it over.

The spokeswoman said that the Lime Tree Surgery in Cann Hall Road, Leytonstone, was the successful surgery, and it will be extending its services to cope.

She added: "Every patient has been sent information on the new arrangements and invited to attend the open evening at the Lime Tree Surgery.

"For patients living in Leytonstone who would prefer to register with a different surgery, a list of nine local GP practices who will be happy to take them on was included in the information.

"Anyone who needs help registering with a doctor can contact Waltham Forest PCT Patient and Liaison Service on 8539 3939."

Mr Macro said he knew Dr Chalapathy had died but during his monthly visits to the surgery for repeat prescriptions, he was never told its fate.

He said he received the letter from the PCT in the last few days but it was delivered several weeks after the for sale' sign was erected on the side of the surgery building.