IT has been said that NHS England took into account the future development plans for Oke?

How did they do this as it was disclosed at the public meeting that no consultation with West Devon Borough Council took place?

Surely it is time for someone in authority at WDBC to comment publicly on future housing plans for the town and whether the council did have prior knowledge of the closure plans.

According to NHS England representative at the Public Meeting, Okehampton Surgery had a ‘target’ of 2,000 plus patients and had this figure been reached the future of the surgery would have been secured.

As this target was not publicly known and doctors cannot advertise it seems the ‘target ‘ was set to ensure failure!

However, a recent large notice has appeared outside the medical centre saying ‘New Patients Welcome’ – is this advertising?

Since moving into the town a year ago I have asked many people their experience of the two local surgeries, without exception I was advised by patients at both practices not to use the Medical Centre unless I was prepared to wait a week or more for an appointment.

I am so glad that I remained with my previous practice, despite the long drive.

I must hope that I can continue to drive as the prospect of a large impersonal GP practice with fill me with dread.

These ‘mega’ practices may be what NHS thinks appropriate but it is most definitely NOT what patients want. Does NHS England really care about patient’s wishes?

Carol Yardley

Okehampton