An Isle of Wight doctor’s surgery has been saved from closure, health bosses have revealed.
A new partnership will take over the reins at Argyll House in Ryde, just months after the current partners announced they would be stepping away.
The threat of closure caused huge public concern and outcry from both patients and their representative groups.
Notice of closure
In July, the surgery’s managers sent a notice of closure to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), which oversees healthcare on the Isle of Wight, saying they would be handing back their contract.
No closure date was given and registered patients were told to carry on using the surgery as normal – but it sparked fears of more pressure being piled on to already-stretched services.
Staying open
Yesterday (Monday), Isle of Wight GP, Dr Michele Legg, clinical director for the Island on the ICB, confirmed Argyll House will be staying open after all.
Speaking at a meeting of the Isle of Wight council’s health and social care scrutiny committee, Dr Legg revealed a new primary care partnership will take on Argyll House and continue to deliver services.
Significant number concerns received
Manager of a patient watchdog, Joanna Smith, said Healthwatch Isle of Wight had received a significant number concerns and said some patients had already moved to other practices.
Worries were also raised with other local GPs, she said, calling this week’s announcement ‘good news for the wider Ryde community.’
Jordan: A great relief to residents
Reacting to the news, Isle of Wight ward councillor Phil Jordan said it had come as a great relief to residents, adding he was pleased a solution had been found.
Cllr Jordan said he is looking forward to welcoming the new team of doctors.
Meanwhile, chair of the health scrutiny committee, Councillor Michael Lilley, thanked the ICB for meeting with patients.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
