Health chiefs are investigating a Reigate surgery following a stream of complaints from patients about how it is being run.

South Park Medical Centre, in Prices Lane, has come under scrutiny from NHS Surrey this week after concerned patients questioned its lack of permanent GPs.

Last week the Mirror reported how Wendy Sadler feared the hiring of temporary doctors, or locums, was jeopardising patient safety. On Tuesday NHS Surrey said it was looking into the concerns.

Helen Snelling, primary care contract account manager for the South East at NHS Surrey, said: "A small number of patients have contacted us about the use of locum GPs at South Park Medical Centre.

"We have discussed this matter with the practice and they assured us they are currently recruiting a number of permanent GPs, who will be in post shortly.

"Patients will be able to see one of three regular GPs very soon.

"However, there will always be occasions where this is not possible, for example because a GP is on holiday, and it is usual for practices to employ locum GPs in these situations."

But some patients are still not satisfied with the way the surgery, run by ChilversMcCrea Healthcare, is operating.

Douglas Redhead, 66, of Lonesome Lane, Reigate, is a retired nurse with 30 years' experience and has been a patient at the surgery for four years.

He said: "The way it's being run – people are being hoodwinked. I'm just disgusted. I have a medical problem and whenever I have to go to the surgery I never know who I'm going to see.

"I've had 30 years of experience with the NHS and always had fabulous treatment with them up until now."

Following last week's article, Mrs Sadler, of Maple Road, Redhill, was invited to discuss the issue with the company's chief executive Sarah Chilvers.

Mrs Maple met with Dr Chilvers on Monday to talk about heading up a patient group. It was also an opportunity for the concerned patient to voice her issues with the surgery.

She said: "Whether things will change I don't know, but we have a follow up meeting in three weeks. I understand a practice manager has also been appointed following last week's article.

"I started this so I want to follow it through."