GP surgery to remain open after campaign

A GP surgery on the Isle of Wight has been saved from closure following a campaign by patients.

People in Wootton Bridge were previously told their surgery would move to Newport - two bus rides away.

Residents said the move would leave vulnerable people unable to attend appointments.

But Solent NHS Trust has now said it will take over the management of the surgery, which is run by a private company, from September.

Wootton Bridge Surgery, which opened 10 years ago, is part of Medina Healthcare, which operates a second practice in West Street in Newport.

Under the proposals, both practices would have merged at a new site and the GPs would have become salaried employees instead of partners.

Solent NHS Trust said extensive discussions and in-person feedback sessions were carried out, along with assessments on the viability of the current site where structural problems have been found.

Medina Healthcare previously said the repairs needed would be too disruptive, making permanent relocation the only feasible option.

The trust said a new GP practice would also open in Newport next summer, after which, works required at Wootton Bridge could be scheduled to minimise disruption.

Sarah Redrup, who is a councillor for Wootton Bridge and chair of Isle of Wight Council's health scrutiny committee, said she was "incredibly pleased" and thanked all the parties involved for listening.

She said: "When the announcement was first made in March, that the surgery may be leaving the village, many feared it was a done deal."

Solent NHS Trust’s chief operating officer, Alasdair Snell, said: "We would like to thank everyone for their feedback, whether it be through the patient engagement sessions in the spring, or directly – it has been really informative.

"Solent is committed to helping healthcare professionals remain in the heart of communities like Wootton Bridge.

"The new developments in Newport will complement our services and provide more comprehensive care options for people of all ages."

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