New hope for Shrewsbury's Riverside Medical Practice after U-turn

The future of a closure-threatened medical practice used by thousands of patients in Shrewsbury could be saved following a dramatic U-turn by health chiefs.

The Riverside Medical Practice, in Smithfield Road, is due to be bulldozed to make way for the proposed multi-million pound New Riverside shopping centre, which would link three malls into one giant complex.

It would mean approximately 11,500 patients needing to find an alternative surgery in the town.

But the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust has now vowed to try and secure investment after admitting the high-level of public concern over the loss of the practice had changed its priority status.

The PCT has previously refused funding for the relocation of the practice, but has now agreed to meet with developer Morris Properties to discuss possible relocation of the practice to a site in Barker Street.

It follows top level talks on Monday with Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski who stressed to NHS bosses it was 'vital' for the surgery to retain a town centre presence.

Dr Leigh Griffin, managing director of Shropshire County PCT, said the funding bid needed to go through various processes and that a final decision could not be given before the PCT's budgetary meeting in January. But he said he was 'cautiously optimistic' about securing funding for Riverside's relocation.

He added: "We are keen to see if we can find a way to sort this out now. We have to make very difficult investment decisions and it's important that we get this right for the good of all."

Mr Kawczynski said: "I let it be known to Dr Griffin that the Riverside practice is a crucial facility.

"The PCT has assured me the relevant funding could be available and I look forward to them fulfilling their obligations in due course."

Riverside GP Dr Mike Lovett, who also attended Monday's meeting, said he was 'very, very encouraged' by the outcome.

The turnaround comes after a sustained campaign by patients which on Saturday saw 200 people forming a human chain to demonstrate their support.

See also:

• Lobbyists join hands around Riverside Medical Practice

• Protestors to link up in Riverside Medical Practice battle

• MP Kawczynski backs medical practice campaign