NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is withdrawing funding from the project in Heaton Park, Manchester, as local GPs are now providing extended hours at a lower cost. 

The GP involved in setting up the scheme, Dr Mohamed Jiva, plans to reopen the in-store clinic as a branch surgery of his nearby practice in July, according to a Sainsbury's spokesman.

The practice was opened in early 2008 as part of a government drive to introduce competition in primary care and improve access.

Sainsbury's at one point had identified around 200 suitable sites for in-store surgeries.

A spokesman from NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale said although the location was ‘innovative', ‘the cost was higher compared to other extended hours schemes'.

The majority of GPs in the area now offer extended hours too, he continued.

"We are confident that patients' needs are being met through our existing GP schemes."

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said the practice was closing for refurbishment and Dr Jiva's branch surgery would open in July. "We know from feedback from customers that this facility is very popular so Dr Jiva and his team are looking forward to restarting services in July," he said. 

We know from feedback from customers that this facility is very popular so Dr Jiva and his team are looking forward to restarting services in July.

The GP practice at our Heaton Park store has been suspended recently as the facilities are being refurbished before reopening on 1^st July as a Branch Surgery. This new facility will offer the community not only an extended hours service but also more day time surgeries as well as an extended number of services.