Mel Stride MP has written to NHS England to express his concern over the cancellation of temporary surgeries at Hatherleigh Community Centre and Shebbear Village Hall. Patients must now travel to Holsworthy Medical Centre for clinic appointments and prescriptions requested from the centre by phone.
The temporary surgeries were established after the medical centres in Hatherleigh and Shebbear were put into ‘special measures’ after inspections from the Car Quality Commission (CQC). The inspections took place earlier this year with the CQC saying that certain improvements, particularly in regard to leadership at the centres were required.
Mr Stride said:
“I fully appreciate how hard doctors and staff are working at Holsworthy Medical Centre to accommodate the extra patients and that a free minibus service is being provided but the situation is clearly unsatisfactory for patients and we need permanent premises secured as soon as possible. I have written to NHS England asking what steps are being taken in the coming days to resolve the situation.”
Hatherleigh’s West Devon Borough Councillor Patrick Kimber said:
“We very much appreciate Mel’s intervention. I know how concerned Hatherleigh residents are about the future of their local surgery and I hope this can be resolved as soon as possible.”
