The last remaining doctor's surgery in York city centre - swamped in the recent floods - could remain closed until the New Year.

The Jorvik Medical Practice in Peckitt Street, off Tower Street, was overwhelmed when the nearby River Ouse rose to record heights.

Floodwaters first filled the lower ground floor, including a doctor's consulting room and toilet.

Then, as the waters rose higher, the patients' waiting area on the higher ground floor was covered by about eight inches.

All medical services were transferred to the Jorvik practice's sister surgery at 175 Bishopthorpe Road, South Bank, during the floods.

But now, even though the floods have gone, the surgery is unable to reopen for health, safety, comfort and practical reasons. Patients who live in the city centre, Fishergate and Fulford Road are facing an ongoing trek to South Bank by car or bus.

"I wanted a surgery to be near my work and my daughter's school. It's annoying, but it's not their fault," said one patient, Rachel Lacy.

Practice manager Simon Dixon said the floods had damaged plasterwork and part of the floor in the waiting area had collapsed.

Because of pressure of work, loss adjusters had not been able to come to inspect the property until yesterday to give any realistic ideas as to how long it might take to get the property habitable again.

He said the earliest the surgery could reopen would be just before Christmas or in the New Year. But if joists below the collapsed floor had been damaged and a major repair scheme was needed, it could take longer.

He said he was searching for emergency temporary accommodation in the city centre. But in the meantime, the South Bank surgery was coping with both its own 4,500 patients and Peckitt Street's 4,500. He said it was able to offer as many appointments as both surgeries had done previously.

Mr Dixon said that in the longer term, the surgery would have to move to new premises from Peckitt Street.