Nearly 900 people sign petition to save Sheffield doctors surgery from closure

Campaigners presented a petition with more than 850 signatures urging Sheffield Council to help save their local doctors surgery.
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Kim McMaster, of Norfolk Park tenants and residents association, presented the petition which had a total of 858 signatures at a full council meeting today.

The surgery is under threat of closure by proposals to merge it with the Dovercourt Group Practice.

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Ms McMaster said: “Our surgery is well used and loved by the community.

Residents with their petition.Residents with their petition.
Residents with their petition.

“It’s part of a purpose build health centre, that’s only eight years old. It has some of the most modern facilities in the city. Many residents have pointed out that it is the best rated surgeries in the city.

“The strength of community feeling was felt earlier this month when we came together to stage a protest outside the surgery. As a community we have united against these proposals.

“We understand that it is claimed that the surgery is not viable because they cannot attract GPs to work in a ‘deprived community’ with patients with complex health problems. It is not fair that the people of Norfolk park fall foul to this postcode lottery.

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“Everyone, no matter wealth, background or location, deserves access to quality and convenient health services. Elderly residents have voiced concern that they will struggle to travel to another GP surgery. If these proposals go ahead the effects will be devastating on the health of our community.”

The campaign is supported by councillors and Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley.

Councillor Ben Miskell, local councillor, said: “It was great to see residents at full council today and they were rightly angry at proposals to close Norfolk Park Doctors Surgery. Over the coming weeks we intend to work with them to make the case to keep this important facility open.”

Ms Haigh said: “The fantastic support from the local community sends a clear message to the CCG – residents oppose this closure.

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“We believe everyone should be able to access convenient GP services in their community, but closure would make that harder particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.

“This closure would be a disaster for local residents, and we will fight alongside local people every step of the way.”