Smallbridge Medical Practice to close

Smallbridge Medical Practice will close from Friday 31 July.

It is understood that 1,500 patients who are registered to use the practice will be dispersed to other surgeries in the borough.

Local resident Jean Ashworth, whose mum is a patient at the surgery, said: “I think it is absolutely ridiculous that NHS England are closing Smallbridge Medical Practice and dispersing over 1,500 patients to other surgeries - as if they haven't enough patients to cope with as it is.

“We already hear about patients unable to get appointments at some surgeries so surely this closure is only going to make matters much worse. The sad thing is, Smallbridge Medical Practice is a fantastic medical centre. The doctors and staff are just so efficient. I don’t know what they are thinking of.”

Laura Browse, Head of Primary Care, NHS England (Greater Manchester), said: “Smallbridge Medical Practice was established in 2009 under a time-limited contract. NHS England and NHS HMR CCG, under joint commissioning arrangements for the local population, considered the appropriate future for this practice and whether a new contract was appropriate.

“Local assessment of need and feedback from patient and public consultation informed the decision not to continue the practice provision. Although it is recognised that patients of the practice have been happy with the service provided, there are a number of other practices locally which patients have choice to register with. “

“NHS England will continue to work closely with the Clinical Commissioning Group and other partners to ensure that all patients are able to access high-quality local GP services.”