CHIDDINGOLD residents were shocked to find their village surgery had gone up in flames – and then to learn it will remain shut for the forseeable future.

Friends of Chiddingfold Surgery set up an emergency fund in response to an immediate outpouring of offers of help.

Friends chairman Simon Inchbald said: “We are asking people to donate to a special fund in response to many requests from people asking how they can help.

“There may also be a need for volunteers to drive patients to whatever temporary accommodation the doctors settle into. It is likely to be some distance from Chiddingfold.”

Fire crews from across Surrey and into Sussex raced to the scene, following a 3.34am callout on Monday, but found the large fire had already done substantial damage.

Police closed Ridgley Road and residents of neighbouring homes had to be evacuated due to the intensity of the blaze, which destroyed most of the building.

Surrey Fire and Rescue is investigating the cause of the fire. A spokesman said: “The building was 100 per cent damaged by fire. Three crews from Guildford attended, also crews from Haslemere, Godalming, Cranleigh, Painshill, Leatherhead and Petworth.”

Firefighters were warned that pressurised medical cylinders containing oxygen and nitrogen were on the premises but fortunately none were affected.

Concerned patients of the large practice, which covers a wide area extending from Milford to Dunsfold, and Lurgashall, were assured their medical records were unaffected as they are stored electronically.

Until a full assessment of the site has been completed it is not yet known how long it will take to restore services back on the current Chiddingfold site.

A Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) spokesman said: “Staff from NHS Guildford and Waverley CCG and Surrey Heartlands CCGs are working with GPs and Primary Care staff at Chiddingfold Surgery to seek alternative solutions so that services can resume as soon as possible.

“Once contingency plans have been finalised they will be shared with local residents.

“Patients are advised that routine appointments will be re-arranged as soon as possible and will be contacted directly by the surgery. Anyone who needs to see a GP urgently should call NHS 111 and they will be offered appropriate medical treatment and advice.

“Those wishing to make a routine appointment can call NHS 111 to seek advice or use Chiddingfold Surgery’s usual telephone number.

“The public are reminded that A&E should not be used as an alternative to a GP appointment unless it is an emergency. NHS 111 is triaging patients to appropriate services locally including the Minor Injuries Unit at Haslemere Hospital and pharmacies.

“Plans are being put in place to be able to deliver services from alternative premises in Milford from later this week until a longer-term solution is finalised. However, this will be a limited service for the next few weeks.

“Patient security has been of the upmost importance. Clinical records are stored electronically and have been for many years and so these have been unaffected by the fire and remain accessible to the GP Surgery.

“Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have been on site for the past 24 hours, with the site being cordoned off to prevent unauthorised access to the site, including any potential unauthorised access to confidential patient information affected by the fire.”

Chiddingfold Parish Council chairman Dan Hall, said: “We are all shocked and devastated to hear about the fire at Chiddingfold Surgery which is very much at the centre of our community.

“We are all grateful that no one was hurt and for the efforts of our local emergency services. Our thoughts are very much with the doctors and all those who work at the surgery.

“We are offering our support to the Friends of Chiddingfold Surgery.”

To donate, visit friends ofchiddsurgery.org/donate.