NHS England has taken over the running of a large group practice in Devon after the partners handed in their contract because of their inability to recruit doctors.

The four doctors who were the former partners have continued working for Ocean Health as employees – but their contract reverted to NHS England this week.

The news follows a series of surveys this work suggesting that the crisis in general practice is going to get worse – as increasing numbers of doctors abandon the profession.

The practice in Plymouth has 22,000 patients but three partners resigned last November.

The remaining partners eventually handed back the contract after efforts to resolve their doctor shortage failed.

The practice ran two health centres and an acute care hub in Plymouth.

NHS England immediately closed the lists for the practice – but says it believes it can recruit extra doctors.

A statement to patients yesterday said: “While current GPs and other staff will remain in place, the new arrangements open the way for additional doctors and support workers to be brought in, making it easier to get an appointment.

“In the meantime, a package of immediate measures has been developed with the practice and partner organisations, so patients who find it hard to get through can be provided with appropriate care.”

Former partner Dr Rachel Tyler told the Plymouth Herald: “General practice is facing unprecedented GP shortages and as a result we have been unable to recruit sufficient doctors to meet the rising demand.

“It is not a viable prospect for a partnership of only four doctors to support a population of nearly 22,000 patients, so we were unfortunately left with no choice but to hand back our contract.”