Campaigners fail to save Sheffield GP surgery

More than 2,500 patients at Bents Green Surgery will have to register at nearby practices when the surgery closes at the end of March.

Residents who had battled to save it said the closure would have a ‘devastating’ impact on the suburb’s community.

The practice’s two GPs, Dr Claire Reynolds and Dr Mark Rogers, took the decision to leave six months ago and NHS England subsequently tried to find GPs to replace them. This has been unsuccessful and the surgery will therefore close on March 31.

NHS England has written to residents informing them of the closure and to provide information about other local practices in the area.

Ecclesall ward Coun Shaffaq Mohammed said: “It is a sad day for Bents Green. We are disappointed with NHS England’s response. It was demonstrated from a strong turnout at the general meeting and through the petition that residents wanted to keep the surgery. NHS England have had six months’ notice to find other GPs.

“I will ensure that all patients are provided with a place at another nearby surgery and keep the pressure up.”

Karen Curran, head of co- commissioning NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said the trust had ‘explored all the available options’ but ‘concluded that the most appropriate action was to assist patients in registering with a neighbouring GP practice, rather than trying to appoint a new GP service provider in the area. There is enough capacity across those practices to accommodate all the patients.’

Patient Mike Brady warned last year that other surgeries may not be able to cope.

He said at the time: “It would be devastating if Bents Green Surgery closed down, it’s on a bus route and it is well liked by many that use it.

“We hear about waiting for three weeks for an appointment and this would add to the problem.”