Uncertainty for patients at surgery

The long-term future of Parnwell Medical Centre is undecided with its GP contract running out in September.

Talks are ongoing on whether to move services to a larger building, but Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson is hopeful that the current location in Saltersgate will be retained.

Mr Jackson recently chaired a meeting with health bodies and patients to discuss the centre’s future. He said: “I’ve been involved over several months supporting the campaign of the Patients Participation Group and Parnwell Residents Association to ensure we retain a GP surgery at the heart of the community.

“I think that they are looking at all options and hopefully there will be a good business case to retain this important community facility in the area beyond September 2016 and I’m hopeful of a positive outcome.”

In 2013, plans for a medical centre in Newark Avenue for patients in Parnwell were approved by Peterborough City Council’s planning committee.

Ruth Derrett, locality director for NHS England (East) said: “The time-limited GP contract for the Parnwell Medical Centre is due to come to an end in September 2016.

“NHS England is working with the Parnwell Medical Centre and NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group to determine the future of the practice and its location so it is in line with the CCG Estates and Premises Strategy.”

A spokesperson for the medical centre said the meeting with health bodies had been “very positive”, adding: “Further discussions are planned to continue communication with all of the parties.

“Parnwell Medical Centre would like to continue to provide a high standard of medical services to its local community.”