It's better for patients if clinic closes - Dudley GP

Wordsley Green Medical Practice runs its main health centre in The Green, Wordsley, but will now close its branch surgery in Market Street, Kingswinford, on March 14.

More than 30 objections from patients about the closure - citing reasons of transport, logistics and staffing - have been made.

But practice partner, Doctor Randheer Moochikkal said that many patients understood why it was being done.

"Ultimately we want to improve the quality of service for all," he said.

"This means there will be more reception staff to answer phones and more consultation rooms at Wordsley Green.

"There will be a bigger team of staff to bring it all together in the best possible way.

"We want to make the impact as minimal as possible and an equal service for all."

He added: "The key comments and feelings from patients were that overall they were understanding.

"We did have some concerned about transport to Wordsley Green and the lack of personal service at a larger site, but we want to reassure them that the staff at Market Street will all be moved to Wordsley Green too - so that familiarity will still be there."

Overall 9,789 patients are served by the two branches, with around 1,350 of those patients using Market Street.

The decision for closure, which was made at a Dudley CCG meeting last week, came as bosses stated the branch was 'no longer fit for purpose'.

A recent financial review also showed that they were running the surgery at a substantial loss.

Steve Wellings, primary commissioning group chairman, said: "This is an important first test at how we deal with a closure.

"No one likes to close GP surgeries but there is a financial threat to this practice as a whole.

"By doing this we can offer a better outlook for all patients with bigger and better services over all.

"We will also make sure to monitor progress following the closure - with a check to see how everyone is getting on in six months time."

Spokesman Laura Broster, said: "It is a sign of the times when surgeries are closed but this will be a massive improvement for all.

"This could be viewed as making cuts or to actually make things better for the wider population."

Letters will be sent to all patients about the closure on March 14 and support following it next week.

Lower Gornal Medical Practice have also been earmarked for closure, with a decision due to be made at a similar CCG meeting on February 19.