Four-mile trip to see doctor
Mar 31 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
PATIENTS could face a four-mile journey to visit their own GP if controversial plans to close a village surgery go ahead.
The impending retirement of GPs has led to plans to close two surgeries – one in Dipton, County Durham, and the other in nearby Stanley.
Currently the two practices each have surgeries in both Dipton and Stanley but the plan is for each to concentrate on just one centre.
Although both communities will still be left with GP cover, elderly and infirm patients who live in the small former mining village of Dipton will face a four-mile bus journey to Stanley if they want to stay with the doctors they have gone to for many years.
Gary McGee, 35, of New Kyo, Stanley, a carer for a number of disabled clients in Dipton, said: “The plan has caused an awful lot of worry and anxiety.
“Patients want to stay with their own practice, but the prospect of a bus journey to Stanley will be far too daunting for many elderly people. Several of my clients are house-bound and require regular home visits from their GP.
“They are worried that they won’t receive home visits if the surgery relocates.”
The County Durham NHS Primary Care Trust issued a statement saying: “Dipton Surgery and Tanfield Medical Group in Stanley, are finalising their proposals for the way they provide services.
“Both practices need to plan for the expected retirement of a number of senior GPs over the next couple of years and make sure that new doctors can be attracted to work in areas that have sometimes struggled to recruit new GPs.
“Dr Gopi, whose main surgery is in Dipton has been given approval in principle by County Durham PCT for the development of new premises in Dipton to replace his surgery in Brown’s Buildings, Front Street.
“The practice is now considering closing its branch surgery in Stanley Health Centre in order to concentrate on the development of a new health centre, on one site, in Dipton.
“Tanfield Medical Group are considering closing their branch surgery in Dipton so that they can concentrate on services at Tanfield View Surgery in Stanley.
“Over 300 patients attended meetings in Dipton and Stanley or contacted the practices to express their views...
“Many patients registered with Tanfield Medical Group were concerned about this practice withdrawing from Dipton, as several GPs have provided services there for many years and are well known to patients and their families.
“All patients have been given assurances that they will be able to remain with or transfer to the practice of their choice. It is expected that proposals will be submitted to County Durham PCT by the end of April 2008.”
