“As a landlord, we routinely conduct water testing across our estate and at Witham Health Centre we found positive testing for legionella bacteria on a sample from one tap in a non-patient area of the centre.

“In line with best practice guidelines we immediately arranged for the water system at the building to be fully flushed, cleaned and disinfected by a specialist contractor, allowing the majority of health services to continue to be provided at the centre.

“The GP practice at the site, Dr PK Mohanty & Partner, has opted to temporarily relocate to Douglas Grove Surgery until mid-January while further water testing is concluded.”

They said all other patients who do not require the surgery should attend appointments as normal.

A notice on the surgery’s website says it will be closed for maintenance but the phone number to make appointments remains the same, and patients’ calls will be redirected.