Will amalgamation of doctors surgeries be good for Crediton?

THE story entitled "Crediton GP’s keep new surgery plans alive by submitting planning to Mid Devon while their grant is assessed by the NHS" appeared in the Courier on Friday, December 7, issue 1219.

Local GP’s have put forward a project which will combine Chiddenbrook Surgery and Newcombes (New Valley) as a single practise on one site at Joseph Locke Way (near the main Tesco store).

The GP’s seek to improve and develop new models of care for their patients, maintain general practise in Crediton for the next 30 years and attract young GP’s and key medical staff in the future.

The GP’s hope to meet the changing healthcare needs in the current economic climate including the rise in prevalence of obesity, diabetes, alcohol and smoking related illness, an expanding population with the new housing developments and an ageing population are stretching services in their current format.

The project is being assessed by the NHS and a decision is expected shortly.

If the NHS approves the outline business case a public meeting for patients and the public will be held at the Boniface Centre in the second week of January - this is to be confirmed.

Do you think it’s a good idea to amalgamate the two surgeries on a site on the outskirts of town?

Please let me know your thoughts.

You can Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected] .

What you told us ...

I don’t like it - it’s too far away for pensioners. Everyone seems to be moving down by Tesco, Mole Avon have moved their store there as well.

Crediton Resident

We come from Lapford and we used to have a doctors surgery in the hall but that’s gone now and we have to travel 10 miles to a doctor at Chulmleigh. It’s a long way when you’re not feeling well.

Mrs Woodison, Lapford

I’ve not really thought it through yet as it’s only a proposal, so I’m not really sure how I feel. But I do wonder how people will get there. It’s ok if they are on a bus route or have their own transport.

Pam Hunt, Crediton

I don’t like it - it’s the start of cut-backs. It’s too far especially if you’re feeling poorly and live at the opposite end of town. People struggle to get appointments now so I wonder if that will get any better.

Crediton Resident

I live at Tucker’s Close and it will be a blow if Chiddenbrook Surgery moves. It’s difficult to know if it will be good for the town or not. I think it could be good, but it might be a struggle for people with no transport. The trouble is the population has grown and there are lots of new houses being built. The doctors are absolutely saturated. Hopefully they will be able to get extra doctors.

Crediton Resident