A HEALTH centre has been forced to close after high winds damaged its roof earlier today.

Fingerpost Health Centre, which houses Holly Bank, Park House and Cornerstone surgeries, shut after tiles blew off the roof, health officials said.

Gales have been battering the region today.

   

An NHS spokeswoman said: "The high winds that have been in the area have blown a number of tiles off the roof. 

"The three surgeries housed in the health centre had to make the difficult decision to close their doors for the health and wellbeing of all their patients due to the falling debris.

"Patients with existing appointments have been informed of the closure, but we are warning other patients not to attend for their own safety.

"The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined as the high winds are preventing a full assessment of the roof."

Patients requiring medical help tonight or over the weekend, are asked to contact St Helens Rota, the GP out of hours service, by telephoning the practice direct.  Calls will then be diverted to the team at Rota.

St Helens Walk-in-Centre and Minor Injuries Unit is also open until 10pm this evening and from 7am to 10pm on Saturday and 9am to 10pm on Sunday.

The health centre is aiming to be back open by Monday.