New facility proposed as GP surgery in Bucks village set to close
The current GP surgery has been deemed 'unfit for purpose'
Residents of a Buckinghamshire village are facing the closure of their local GP surgery.
New Chapel Surgery in Long Crendon is facing complete closure after having to close during the first lockdown and remaining so.
The surgery is facing complete closure due to ‘inadequacy’ – but a window of hope could reside in a new local facility with proper backing.
New Chapel Surgery in Long Crendon is deemed ‘unfit for purpose’ by provider Unity Health and a permanent closure would force its current patients to consider a partner facility in Brill.
A local action group however has highlighted transport problems getting to Brill and whether it could take the influx of new patients coming from Long Crendon, which currently serves 3,490 people.
An ongoing consultation process has recommended an alternative local facility, with reduced service according to Unity Health – the build costs of which however are estimated in the region of £1.4 million, plus additional costs.
New Chapel in Long Crendon shut during lockdown, because social distancing wasn't possible in the old building and now bosses say that should be permanent.
Virtual appointments are already being used, with face-to-face appointments at alternative surgeries.