Whitchurch doctors surgery to be taken over

The future of Claypit Surgery in Whitchurch was hanging in the balance when Shropdoc said it was pulling the plug on its attempt to run the temporary surgery less than a year after opening.

The temporary surgery at Whitchurch Community Hospital took on 4,000 patients from the Richmond House practice, which controversially closed last year.

Shropdoc cited problems with recruiting GPs as the reason for the move and is handing back the contract to the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group in October.

On Monday at Shropshire Council's health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, members will hear plans for Bridgwater Medical Practice to take over the running of Claypit Surgery from November until March next year.

In the meantime, plans are also progressing for a new super surgery in the town – merging all of Whitchurch's surgeries.

A paper from Shropshire CCG will be discussed at the meeting on Monday.

It states: "Prior to a meeting in August, the CCG discussed options with Shropdoc, Bridgewater Medical Practice and Dodington Surgery – the other two practices in Whitchurch – and subject to agreeing terms and conditions, Bridgewater Medical Practice agreed to accept the novation of the Claypit Street Medical Practice Contract until the end of March 2018.

"However Bridgewater is not able to take on the contract until November 1 2017. The novation of the contract was therefore agreed as the best way forward for the patients of Claypit Medical Practice.

"We have requested monthly reporting to continue until the novation is completed and long term provision is secured. Discussions continue with both Bridgewater Family Medical Practice and Dodington Surgery in Whitchurch."

It was revealed this week that plans which would see a site in Whitchurch transformed into a new community centre, containing healthcare services and housing are being developed.

The Wrekin Housing Trust has confirmed it is currently exploring the options regarding the potential redevelopment of the Paul’s Moss site.

The housing trust is currently working with partners and stakeholders including the Whitchurch GP practices, Shropshire CCG, Shropshire Council and NHS England on the potential opportunity to deliver joined up services at Paul’s Moss that officials said would benefit the whole community.