CONCERNS about the potential closure of a GP's surgery in Copeland have been raised to a county health leader who pledged to address any obstacles to health care access.
Leading Copeland Council member Steven Morgan has written to the new Director of Place for the NHS in North Cumbria, raising concerns about the potential closure of Frizington's GP surgery.
The surgery was marked for closure in July due to a doctors shortage which the operator, Fellview Healthcare, has said cannot be resolved.
Councillor Morgan, executive member for commercial services said: "Frizington is one of Cumbria’s most deprived towns and is one of several communities which would be seriously effected by this closure."
He wrote the letter on behalf of a number of concerned councillors in the area.
"The catchment area is predominately a rural one stretching from Allerdale, Lamplugh, Ennerdale Bridge and into the Lake District, Arlecdon, Kirkland, Asby and Rowrah. More than 3500 citizens live in this area which spans 18 miles and is no less than 10 miles from Whitehaven, the closest Fellview surgery.
"Bus coverage for the area to Whitehaven is circuitous and the poorest people in Cumbria will find it very difficult or expensive to travel to Whitehaven or any other Fellview surgery."
READ MORE: Haweswater and Colton tree in running for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year
Cllr Morgan called for intervention from NHS bosses suggesting a shifting of talent from different surgeries in the area to ensure access to health care remains in Frizington.
North Cumbria Director of Place Ed Tallis said that NHS leaders take a two-pronged approach whenever surgerys are threatened with closure.
Mr Tallis said: "We work with colleagues at NHSE to ensure that the practice is aware of and follows its obligations under the appropriate GP contract, which in the case of Fellview is an Alternative Provider Medical Services contract."
The second method is to meet with the provider, "gaining a better understanding of the specific issues facing the practice"
While Fellview has indicated the Frizington surgery will likely close, NHS England is yet to receive the application.
In Fellview's case, NHS bosses have held talks with the leadership of Fellview Healthcare to identify short and longer term solutions, making the existing contract more sustainable.
Copeland scrutiny panel, of which Cllr Morgan is a member, has launched a review of health care access in the area.
READ MORE: Greenlight for plans to build 38 holiday lodges in Dalston despite backlash
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here