GPs’ surgery taken over by rival practice

A JESMOND GPs’ surgery is set to step in to save a nearby practice from closure.

The partners of the Holly Medical Group, which provides care for 8,664 patients, have announced they will “no longer be able to provide GP services” from April 1 next year.

However, the site is set to be taken over by The Surgery, which is based further along Osborne Road and has more than 5,000 patients of its own.

Newcastle City Council health chiefs have been told the plans will “ensure both practices are secure and can continue to provide a highquality service to our local community into the future.”

Coun Wendy Taylor, chair of the council’s health scrutiny committee, said she wanted reassurances The Surgery was “reasonably confident” of recruiting the extra GPs needed to replace those that are leaving.

She added: “I am reasonably happy with the merger so long as they can find the replacements.”

Coun David Cook said he had concerns about GP services closing and leaving gaps in communities, adding that he wondered whether The Surgery would have the capacity to manage both practices until new staff are appointed.

A statement sent to the council from the partners of both practices stated: “We intend to continue providing medical services from both sites in the future.

“There is no plan to change opening hours at either site.

“We do understand that a change in doctor provision may be of concern to some of our patients but would like to reassure you that we will recruit additional permanent staff.”