Whitchurch patients reassured over surgery closure

Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England are looking to reassure patients about the future of healthcare provision in Whitchurch once the town's Richmond House surgery closes in October.

They said every patient registered with the surgery will have access to a GP once the current practice closes but until then all patients should continue to see their GP as normal.

It comes after two petitions were launched by residents trying to save the surgery from closure. They fear the town's other surgeries will not be able to cope once Richmond House closes.

Health bosses said plans are being developed with all three of the town's GP practices – Richmond House, Dodington and Bridgewater – to ensure that local people continue to have access to a GP in Whitchurch now and in the future.

Dr Julian Povey, chairman of Shropshire CCG, said: "I appreciate that this news might cause some patients concern and they may be worrying about whether they need to register elsewhere. There will not be any immediate changes – patients will still be able to see their GP at Richmond House as normal until the surgery closes on October 31 and they will be contacted about new arrangements.

"Our priority is making sure that patients currently registered with Richmond House will continue to have access to a GP when it closes and we are working with colleagues at NHS England to do this."

David Evans, accountable officer for Shropshire CCG, said: "We are looking at a number of options which will guarantee continued GP care for all affected patients once Richmond House closes. Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to engage with them every step of the way.

"A number of people in Whitchurch have already come forward to offer their support, we are very grateful for this and we will continue to work closely with them and with local patient participation groups (PPGs) to ensure that patients are kept up to date with developments."

Resident and former Whitchurch town councillor Rob Hewson was behind one of the petitions launched to try and save the surgery from closure. He said: "The town is growing and we need doctors' surgeries. We will not be able to cope once all this new housing is built."

It had been hoped Richmond House would merge with Bridgewater Medical Practice. But the project, which had received a £2 million grant from the Government, has not progressed quickly enough for the move to be made.