The news that a healthcare provider has finally been found for a GP surgery after months of uncertainty has been met with relief.

Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced on Tuesday that the contract for Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice will be awarded permanently to Cumbria Health on Call (CHoC).

CHoC has already been providing GP services from the practice on a temporary six-month basis since April, after efforts to find a long-term provider were unsuccessful.

Its long-term contract for the practice will start on October 1 and Morecambe CCG has reassured the public that the transition from temporary to long-term contract will be seamless for patients, and there will be no break in service.

The surgery was previously run by Leeds-based private company OneMedical, who decided to give notice on their contract last year.

Kate Hudson, head of primary care at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’re really pleased that a new provider has been found and we would also like to thank the patients at Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice for their patience with the process of finding a new provider, as well as their input into, and engagement with, the work which has now been brought to a successful conclusion.”

Patients will shortly receive a letter from Morecambe Bay CCG confirming the new provider.

MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed the news.

“I’m absolutely over the moon that Cumbria Health on Call have been awarded a permanent contract for running Windermere’s Goodly Dale GP surgery,” he said.

“From the regular conversations I’ve been having with CHOC, I know how hard their team has been working to provide first-class care for local patients.

“There had been some pressure on the CCG to close the surgery and disperse the patients lists to other surgeries in the South Lakes, so I’m really grateful that they’ve listened to local residents, local councillors and myself and have secured the future of Goodly Dale.”

And South Lakeland District councillor for Windermere, Dyan Jones, said: “Great to have a long-term commitment from CHoC who have been running things recently at Goodly Dale Health Centre.

“I am sure this provides the welcome reassurance to residents that we have all been waiting for, and I look forward to hearing further about their plans for our community.”