Controversial plans to close a “busy” doctors surgery and move appointments to Wycombe Hospital could cause “serious problems” for patients, campaigners have warned.

Residents in the east of High Wycombe who currently use Lynton House surgery, on London Road, could now be forced to take two buses to attend appointments.

The current surgery building is not deemed to be “fit for purpose” and during a series of public consultations, patients have been told that GP appointments will be split between Wycombe Hospital and a health centre in Cressex.

Ryemead Forum chairman and former mayor of High Wycombe, Trevor Snaith, said: “The big issue we face is there is a notable shortage of doctor’s surgeries in the east end of High Wycombe.

“If Lynton House Surgery closes and moves out of Ryemead there will be no local practice in the area.

“We already have a shortage of doctors in High Wycombe and this is a serious problem.”

Some appointments look set to be moved in the hospital Minor Injuries and Illness Unit, with NHS bosses saying they recognise the need for a town centre GP.

If the closure goes ahead, there will be the same number of appointments available for residents, but they will be split between the town and Hanover House, in Coronation Road, Cressex – which would be a two-bus journey for most people.

Mr Snaith said: “One of the main problems is that if they move some of the appointments to the hospital, we are going to lose out as there will be less hours for town centre patients.

“I appreciate that they might need to leave the current surgery, but, if anything, we need a brand new surgery in this area.

“It’s a busy surgery and serves people mainly in Ryemead, but also in Micklefield, and these people now face difficult journeys to Wycombe Hospital or Cressex.”

In a bid to counter travel disruptions, NHS England has confirmed that plans for a volunteer patient transport service are being explored with Cressex Health Centre, which runs services at both Hanover House and Lynton House.

Spokesman Natalie McEwan said: “They [Cressex Health Centre] are engaging with patients about the proposal to close Lynton House because they believe the premises are not fit for purpose.

“They are proposing to move to a new, smaller site within Wycombe Hospital and to extend the number of appointments available at the main surgery at Hanover House.

NHS England is still in talks with patients and has not yet received an application from Cressex Health Centre to close Lynton House surgery.