By Isle of Wight Observer
The GP Surgery in Wootton Bridge has been saved after a determined campaign by residents to keep it open.
Solent NHS Trust is taking on the management of Medina Healthcare GP Surgery from September 2024 and has overturned the previously-announced plan to close the surgery
A spokesman for the trust said the decision was made after “extensive discussions and in-person feedback sessions involving Medina Healthcare patients and other community representatives, and further assessments by Solent regarding the viability of the current site.”
Medina Healthcare initially decided that the building works needed to carry out extensive repairs needed would be too disruptive, so announced permanent relocation of the surgery into Newport. However, now the repair work will be carried out at the Wootton Bridge surgery after the new surgery at Riverway House is opened.
Solent NHS Trust’s chief operating officer, Alasdair Snell, said: “We are proud to be growing our primary care presence on the Island, already seen with sexual health and specialist dental services in place over recent years.
“We deeply value engaging with patients and other community voices as they can play an active and important role in helping us make our primary care services the very best they can be in terms of meeting people’s healthcare needs. We would like to thank everyone for their feedback whether it be through the patient engagement sessions in the spring, or directly – it has been really informative.
“Solent is committed to helping healthcare professionals remain in the heart of communities like Wootton Bridge. The new developments in Newport will complement our services and provide more comprehensive care options for people of all ages.”
Local councillor, Sarah Redrup, who campaigned for the surgery to remain open, said: “I am incredibly pleased to hear that Solent NHS will be keeping a GP in Wootton. When the announcement was first made in March that the surgery may be leaving the village, many feared it was a done deal. So, I want to say a huge thank you Solent NHS, the ICB, Assura and Medina Healthcare for listening to the needs of the community.
“They have worked hard to figure out a solution that works for both patients in Wootton and in Newport. I would also like to thank all the residents who engaged with the consultation process, together we made our voices heard.”
Neighbouring councillor, Ian Dore, added: “Many residents in Fishbourne and Binstead, were affected by the proposed closure which is why I was involved. This is a really big deal and a major success for local residents. Cllr Redrup has pushed this hard and the net result is a stunning. I’ve supported her and my residents, but she is the one that picked up the baton. This didn’t come from fist waving and grrring, it came from challenging the original proposal in a polite and respectful fashion, seeking an amicable solution.
“Sarah has been the driving force behind what has been an incredibly challenging scenario, and its further testament to her steadfast commitment to the ward she represents. Through positive stakeholder engagement and co-operative working, it is an incredible outcome for residents in Wootton and beyond.”