Evington Residents Express Concerns Over GP Surgery Closure

Local inhabitants describe the impending closure of a general practitioner surgery, scheduled for less than two weeks before Christmas, as a significant setback for their community. On Wednesday, a public gathering took place at Pilgrim Gardens independent living facility in Evington, Leicester, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their worries. The Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB) verified that The Surgery, located in The Common, is slated for closure on 13 December, following notification from the practice that its landlord intends to sell the property. This surgery operated as a satellite branch of St Elizabeth’s Medical Centre on Netherhall Road, situated over two miles distant, and the ICB stated its intention to assist patients in transferring to the primary location. Local residents expressed opposition to the necessity of using two bus services to reach the main centre, given that the branch surgery, which is closing, is conveniently accessible by foot for numerous individuals. Furthermore, the prospect of registering with an entirely different practice, where general practitioners would lack prior knowledge of their medical histories or conditions, also presented a source of apprehension. Representatives from the ICB present at the meeting indicated that the branch surgery was deemed unsuitable for its intended function and confirmed that a public consultation concerning its closure had been ongoing since June. J&A Pharmacy, an establishment on Main Street since the 1980s, ceased operations last month, citing financial difficulties, as reported by its owners, R Glenton & Son. Patrons are advised to utilize Glenton Pharmacy, situated slightly over a mile away on Welland Vale Road. Ann Stenfalt, 82, residing at Pilgrim Gardens, mentioned receiving a text message this week verifying the branch surgery’s impending closure. She stated: “We’ve got Christmas and the new year soon, which is very difficult if you are wanting to get your tablets.” She added: “I’m concerned for quite a few people in Evington.” “It is a big blow in the village with the pharmacy [closing] as well,” she remarked. Ms Stenfalt indicated that the necessity of taking two separate buses to reach the Netherhall Road centre might compel some residents to use taxis for their appointments, an option that would prove costly for individuals needing regular visits. She further commented: “It is a village that has lost everything.” “One of the reasons why we came was it had everything that retired people needed and now it is literally being taken away,” she elaborated. Irene Steer, another resident of Pilgrim Gardens, expressed that she was “really frightened”. The 87-year-old stated: “I’ve just been diagnosed with one illness and I’m in the midst of having tests.” She continued: “So I’m very worried and I find it enough to even walk to that surgery.” “I’m really frightened to be honest,” she concluded. Zuffar Haq, a representative for Evington on Leicester City Council, noted that residents might require “a couple of hours” to travel to the main surgery via bus. He commented: “We know the NHS is under immense pressure across the board. This was a great surgery.” He added: “[The closure is] leaving lots of patients vulnerable and lots of anxiety for lots of patients, because they need support and the NHS has failed in their support.” “They shouldn’t be doing this two weeks before Christmas,” he asserted. Dr Nil Sanganee, the chief medical officer for the ICB, stated: “The ICB is satisfied that the practice has explored all options for continuing to offer services from Evington Village and there are no viable and affordable options that would enable the practice to provide safe and good quality care in the area, in line with modern general practice standards.“ He continued: “We recognise that affected patients may have some concerns and we would like to assure them that they do not need to take any immediate action.” “The practice has already contacted them to fully explain the position and will keep them updated.” “If patients find that they are unable to travel to the practice’s main site, they can choose to register with an alternative local practice.” For further updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its policy on external linking is available.