2,500 sign petition to keep GP surgery open

Patients campaigning to prevent a County Durham GP surgery from closure fear their concerns have been ignored, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar. 

Thousands of St Helen Auckland residents signed a petition calling for the medical practice to stay open after warning it could leave elderly patients isolated. 

Auckland Medical Group said the building is “not fit for purpose” as it does not meet accessibility requirements and is too costly to repair.

The 4,000 people registered at the current surgery have been told alternative facilities in Toft Hill and Bishop Auckland are better-suited.

Corridors and consulting rooms are described as being in poor condition, with accessibility issues throughout the building for paramedic teams. 

Dozens of patients with placards reading “Save Our Surgery” gathered outside the practice recently, urging health bosses to keep the facility open, as a petition signed by around 2,500 people was delivered.

Multiple public meetings have been held with health bosses in recent weeks, but campaigners have criticised the process. 

“We’ve been given a tissue of lies and met with a wall of silence,” said Valerie Bryden. 

The 77-year-old said the proposed decision has distressed patients who will not be able to access the alternative surgeries.

She added: “People are worried and upset about additional travel and its costs, which may not be a consideration for the powers that be, but will undoubtedly cause greater problems for patients.”

Residents say the expansion of the village and surrounding area means local healthcare services are vital.

Heather Jackson, who helped lead the campaign, said : “Every other village around here – like Cockfield and Evenwood – has its own surgery but we don’t.

“It’s so important.”

Dale Daniel said patients “without a doubt” feel their concerns have been ignored, adding: “The silence from Auckland Medical Group has been absolutely deafening.

“To them, it’s a done job – but we’re fighting.”

Auckland Medical Group said all staff would be retained and work across the other two sites, improving patient safety through the continuity of care. 

A spokesperson added: “We have run a two month-long listening exercise with our patients, including two public engagement events, and have received a high number of responses which are extremely important to us and will inform our decision.

“We gratefully receive this petition, and this will be included as part of our overall public response to consider.

“We recognise the passion of local people and councillors, and our practice would like to thank everybody who have taken the time to engage and inform this process.”