"The States of Guernsey and States of Alderney are working together at pace, and using all available resources, to support the Alderney community after the owner of the island’s lone GP practice signalled his intention to close the business this Friday (6th May) until further notice.

"We understand that this situation will be cause for concern for Alderney residents, so we want to reassure islanders that we are exploring all available options to ensure the Alderney community receives appropriate GP support in the short term, and to develop a sustainable and robust healthcare service in the long term.

"GP services in Alderney, like Guernsey, are delivered through private providers and is therefore not part of Guernsey’s Committee for Health & Social Care responsibilities. However, given the clear importance of this issue for the Alderney community the States of Guernsey will offer its full support to help find a solution.

"Services for which HSC is responsible continue to be delivered as required in Alderney, however both islands’ governments were very concerned to learn from the owner of Island Medical Limited that he would be closing the Island Medical Centre practice this coming Friday. This is understandably a difficult time for staff who work for the practice and it is important to note that the current difficulties are no reflection whatsoever on them.

"We have been actively exploring alternative options to ensure appropriate GP cover remains in place for the people of Alderney in the context of an acute national shortage of these doctors. We will provide an update as soon as possible."