Honiton Surgery is asking that patients do not come to the practice while they perform a deep clean of the premises.

Face to face appointments are only being permitted in urgent medical cases at present, partly due to 'significant levels of staff absence'.

In a tweet posted this morning (Jan 7), Honiton Surgery said: "We apologise for this inconvenience but due to the practice being deep cleaned and significant levels of staff absence we cannot see patients on the premises until further notice.

"We want to thank you for your patience at this challenging time."

A follow up post continued: "We ask that you only call the practice for an urgent medical issue.

"You will be triaged by a GP via telephone and if you need to have a face to face the GP will give you relevant instructions.

"If you feel your medical situation is life threatening, then dial 999. Thank you."