More back bid to save closure-threatened Tettenhall GP surgery

The proposed closure of Tettenhall Medical Practice’s Wood Road Surgery would affect 4,000 people registered at the branch, with patients having to travel to the Lower Green practice.

Bosses announced it could close earlier this year due to spiralling costs and difficulties in recruiting permanent medics.

A petition, signed by shops, businesses and residents in the area, has been submitted to the House of Commons by Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith and has now reached more than 1,000 signatures.

And the MP will also be chairing an open meeting tonight at 7.30pm at Christ Church Tettenhall Wood, to “Save Wood Road Surgery”.

The petition is still receiving signatures and comments every day, with locals raising concerns about how difficult it will be to get an appointment at Lower Green.

Hazel Clemente said: “Think about all the patients who need this surgery, where will they go. This is about there health care and needs.”

Tony Taylor added: “It is essential that this surgery remains open. It is impossible that the current service will be improved by amalgamation with one site.” And 71-year-old Tettenhall Wood resident Trevor Johnson said: “I feel that the reasons given for closing the Wood Road clinic are not sufficiently specific or clear.

“Have the problems of access to the Lower Green been considered in detail? Possible car parking problems have been mentioned but, for those who don’t have their own transport, there is a walk up a steep hill to catch the No 1 bus on the Tettenhall Road.

“Use of this service would still leave many patients with a considerable walk from the bus stop to their homes. I feel that insufficient thought has been given to the consequences of this proposed closure and, at the very least, Wood Road surgery should remain open until these issues have been considered and addressed in detail.”

The petition can be viewed by visiting www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-wood-road-surgery-tettenhall-wood