GP surgery to close as two others merge in Gosport
Practices are struggling to recruit
Two GP surgeries are set to merge in Gosport as they struggle with recruitment.
Gosport Medical Centre is joining the Willow Group creating one of the largest practices in Hampshire with around 49,000 patients.
It comes as Bury Road surgery in the town is planning to close as the senior doctor retires with no replacement found.
Speaking in Questions to the Department of Health and Social Care, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said:
“Since the beginning of January, Gosport patients have learnt that one of our GP practices is threatened with closure, while another is about to merge with an already very subscribed group of practices.
“Partners are retiring with no replacements. Will the Secretary of State please confirm what he is doing to ensure that my constituents in Gosport can access a GP, and will he please meet with me to discuss it?”
The Secretary of State, Steve Barclay, said in response:
“We are investing more than a fifth compared to 2016 as part of our wider investment programme.”
“I’m very keen to work with her and her ICB, who were operationally set up last summer for the commissioning of primary care for the community to assess what are the needs of Gosport constituents.”
Speaking after the debate, Caroline said:
“Constituents are rightfully concerned about recent proposals to close Bury Road Surgery, and the merger of Gosport Medical Centre with the Willow Group.”
“I am pleased that the Secretary of State is willing to work with myself to encourage Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB to find solutions on this important issue. I will continue fight for my constituents to be able to have access to a GP when they need one.”
You can read the response of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board here.