HAVING read the main article re Okement Surgery in the Okehampton Times dated January 21, I wish to point out the following.

You state in the article that NHS England advise that patients from Okement Surgery be ‘dispersed’ to either Okehampton Medical Centre, Hatherleigh, Bow and North Tawton surgeries. Really? Not so according to the letter I personally received from NHS England dated January 18, 2016.

I was informed within the letter that I could transfer to Hatherleigh Medical Centre, Blake House Surgery in Black Torrington, Lifton Surgery or North Tawton Medical Practice.

Does this mean that the doors are closed to new patients at Okehampton Medical Centre? Has Bow decided the same? Just what is going on?

It seems even more obvious to me than before that NHS England has absolutely no idea what they are doing or saying!  The mis-management of this whole situation is blatantly apparent to all except those who hide behind their cosy doors of their dusty little offices at NHS England where they make nonsensical and totally inappropriate decisions which can only be to the complete detriment of all who live in and around Okehampton.

Incidentally, why has Okehampton Medical Centre just very recently reduced its service to the patients registered there? How on earth can they cope with any more?

I do hope that, following the example of Okehampton Town Council, both Mel Stride and Geoffrey Cox will take the same stance. After all, this proposed closure will impact on many of their voters, the majority of whom will be among those who would feel the greatest impact if the Surgery indeed closes.

Oh, and just as a passing thought, there is a planning application going before the council very soon for another 400 houses!  And one surgery can cope for the next 15 years? If it wasn’t so ludicrous, I would fall about laughing, On second thoughts, maybe not, couldn’t get a doctor’s appointment if I split my sides!

Pauline Le Page

Sourton Down