Residents in Wootton are celebrating this morning after it was announced that their GP surgery would remain in the village.
Solent NHS Trust are responsible for coming to the rescue in order for the provision to remain locally.
In March 2024, Medina Healthcare announced it would permanently relocate the Wootton Bridge GP surgery to Newport due to structural issues with the building. This caused outrage and great concern for residents and a number of public meeting followed.
Redrup: A huge thank you to all for listening to the needs to the community
Isle of Wight councillor for Wootton Bridge, Sarah Redrup, told OnTheWight,
“I am incredibly pleased to hear that Solent NHS will be keeping a GP in Wootton. I want to say a huge thank you to the Solent NHS, the ICB, Assura and Medina Healthcare for listening to the needs to the community.
“They have worked hard to figure out a solution that works for both groups of patients in Wootton and in Newport.
“I also want to thank the residents who engaged in the consultation process and made your voices heard!”
Dore: Sarah has been the driving force
The Isle of Wight councillor for neighbouring Binstead and Fishbourne ward, Ian Dore, told OnTheWight,
“Many residents in Fishbourne and Binstead, were affected by the proposed closure so this and is a really big deal.
“Councillor 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.
“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, the net result is an incredible outcome for residents in Wootton and beyond.”
Hall: Also delighted for our excellent, local GPs
Erica Hall, a resident in Wootton was elated to hear the news. She told OnTheWight,
“This is so important for everyone, of all ages, in Wootton Bridge. It is essential that everyone in Wootton has access to the Heathcare they need. I am also delighted for our local, excellent GPs who have been through such a difficult and stressful time.
“Many patients in Wootton will be so relieved to know they will now not have to overcome the potential problems that travelling to The Riverway surgery was going to present.
“I was reassured to read that Alasdair Snell has stated that ‘Solent is committed to helping healthcare professionals remain in the heart of communities like Wootton Bridge’. Hopefully, this statement will ensure the future of our GP Surgery in Wootton for many years to come.
“When I spoke to my neighbour, Myrtle Feek, this afternoon she said, ‘This is the best news Wootton has had for years!’
“Myrtle is her nineties and featured in the clip about the surgery closure on BBC South.”
Article edit
6.05pm 7th Aug 2024 – Comment from EH added
