VILLAGERS in Crondall have expressed surprise and anger at the sudden unexplained departure of popular GP Dr Rachel Bird from Crondall New Surgery.

According to one resident, who asked to remain anonymous, the “whole village is furious” at the news and is “talking about staging protests outside the surgery”, with many considering moving surgeries.

“Absolutely shocked and saddened to learn Dr Rachel Bird has been dismissed from Crondall New Surgery,” wrote one Facebook user on the Crondall Notice Board page, adding: “One of, if not the best, doctors we had!”

Echoing many similar comments, another said: “She’s the only one who has helped my mum over the past few years and actually listened to her.”

Another posted: “She was our GP in Farnborough then moved to Crondall – we then moved to Ewshot and I was absolutely thrilled to see her lovely warm smile and easy to talk to professional personality! I really am upset about this!”

The practice responded in a statement: “We can confirm that Dr Bird is currently not working at Crondall New Surgery. We are aware of the concerns about this change that are being raised by patients and will be working to ensure there is appropriate access to health professionals at the surgery.”