Hunt for GPs to take over New Costessey surgery
The hunt to find GPs to take over the running of a New Costessey medical practice has been officially launched.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney has announced it is launching a formal procurement process to find a new provider of GP services at the Beechcroft surgery.
The Taverham Partnership, which currently holds the contract to run Beechcroft, has announced it does not have enough capacity to continue running the surgery because two of its GPs have retired.
It has been holding discussions with other practices interested in taking over and aims to ensure a new provider of primary care is put in place by October 2012, for the 4,000 patients registered at Beechcroft.
The partnership remains committed to continue providing healthcare at its surgery in Sandy Lane, Taverham.
Nikki Cocks, director of primary care for NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: 'If the procurement process goes as planned, we will be looking to the Taverham Partnership of GPs to continue providing primary medical services at Beechcroft Surgery until September 30, 2012.
'As we have stated before, we are committed to keeping Beechcroft Surgery open and ensuring continuity of service for the 4,000 patients registered there. The needs of Beechcroft Surgery's patients remain paramount, and we will continue to keep them updated of any developments as soon as they are confirmed.'
Beechcroft patient Keith Potter, from Dereham Road, said this latest news had helped to ease people's fears that the surgery could close.
Mr Potter, who is part of an action group, said: 'As far I can understand there have been several bids from two or three other practices.
'People's minds have been put at ease now we have realised the PCT has got it in hand and procurement is in the pipeline.
'The surgery is going to be kept open and most people are happy with that, but there are a few who don't want to lose their particular doctor.'
The situation at Beechcroft is also due to be discussed by members of the Norfolk Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee at their next meeting.
This will be held at County Hall, in Martineau Lane, Norwich, at 10am on Thursday, April 12.
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