Confusion over sudden closure of surgery

Patients queued outside Budbrooke Medical Centre on Wednesday before being told the surgery was closed and they would have to take any urgent conditions to Warwick Hospital.

The surgery in Slade Hill, Warwick, is run by husband and wife doctors Henry White and Shazeela Allim. It has now been learned that Dr Allim died on Wednesday which led to yesterday’s closure.

Two weeks ago Warwickshire Police raided the surgery amid allegations of fraud and made at least one arrest.

Little was known in the village at the time but the surgery did close then reopen with support from locum doctors. The surgery was open again today (Thurs) for appointments.

A police spokeswoman has confirmed: “Warwickshire Police are involved in an investigation into an allegation of fraud at the medical practice.

“As the investigation is ongoing this is all the information that is available at present.”

Police have not confirmed any arrests.

One concerned local resident, who has asked not to be named, said he understood the two doctors who run the surgery were involved with a children’s home in either Uganda or Kenya and spent a fair amount of their time abroad.

Chris Capewell for NHS England in Warwickshire said: “The Budbrooke Medical Centre was closed for a short time on Wednesday afternoon.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, however the medical centre is open and patients can contact the practice to make and attend appointments as usual.”