Thousands petition to keep GP surgery open

Thousands of residents have signed a petition calling for a GP surgery to be saved from closure.

More than 2,500 people have backed calls to retain the St Helen Auckland surgery in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, but bosses say the building is "not fit for purpose".

Auckland Medical Group said the site does not meet accessibility requirements and is too costly to repair.

The 4,000 registered patients were told alternative facilities in Toft Hill and Bishop Auckland were better suited, with the surgery adding all staff would be retained to work across the other two sites.

Corridors and consulting rooms were described by surgery chiefs as being in poor condition and there were access problems for paramedic teams, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Dozens of patients, some carrying signs reading "Save Our Surgery" gathered outside the surgery on Monday.

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

Valerie Bryden, 77, said: "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 claim 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."

Auckland Medical Group said it "gratefully received" the petition which it will consider in its response to patients and campaigners.

A spokesperson said: "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."

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