Copy of open letter sent to Prime Minister David Cameron

ON May 10, 2004, my wife and I moved to Okehampton from east Sussex.

At that time, we were told, the population of the town was just under 4,000.

We went to register with the Okehampton Medical Centre, but were told they were full, could not take any more patients and they referred us to the doctors’ surgery at Okehampton Community Hospital. We did join that surgery and have had exemplary service ever since, with little waiting times for appointments.

As the years have progressed, so our health has changed and we rely on that surgery, especially my wife, who four years ago was diagnosed with diabetes and a form of cancer, the latter resulting in an emergency operation at the Royal Devon and exeter Hospital and three years of treatment to keep the cancer at bay. We are deeply grateful to the staff there.

We are both on various repeat prescriptions and my wife needs blood tests regularly before repeat visits to the RD and E hospital.

The surgery at Wallingbrook Health Group, Okehampton Hospital, is nothing less than exemplary — top class.

Imagine our complete dismay when we received the circular from NHS England, based at St Austell, Cornwall — some 80-miles away from here. They have decided to move 1,800 patients (at present) from our practice to the already stretched practice at Okehampton Medical Centre.

Our town has built several new housing estates since we moved here and I believe the last planning granted by West Devon Borough Council was upwards of 900 to 1,000 new houses — or 2,00 to 4,000 new people.

I understand our current population has risen to at least 7,000 and this will grow.

A new primary school is already planned for the new housing estates.

The NHS letter states the medical centre is an ‘easy walking distance’ — for whom, I would like to know.

Okehampton Town Centre is reached by long, steep roads from all directions. For some it would be ok to walk to the medical centre, but to walk back? It would need a car or bus in every direction.

My wife, due to her condition, has painful feet and hands and no way could she walk to and from the medical centre. She needs a car.

I am a volunteer driver for Okehampton and District Community Transport Group and use my own car for this purpose. Many people would not be able to reach the medical centre but for the economical service provided by our drivers and local taxis.

I appeal to you most strongly to advise NHS England, at St Austell, to remove their closure strategy and keep Okehampton Hospital’s doctors surgery open.

I have copied this letter to Mel Stride MP, Caroline Stead NHS England SW, Wallingbrook Health Group, Okehampton Town Council and the Okehampton Times.

There is a public meeting next week to discuss this.

Michael Bennett

Okehampton