Surgery closure blow

Due to dwindling patient numbers, the South Anston medical surgery is to shut its doors in a bid to direct patients to a modern centre in North Anston.

The surgery which closed on Friday  has provided a basic service and operates even without computers on site.

Three years ago, Len Williams (87), of Broom Grove, Anston, fought successfully to save the practice as its closure would mean a painstaking uphill walk and crossing a busy road.                 

He said: “This surgery closure will mean a big burden for disabled people and those with heart problems.”

Dinnington Group Practice, who run both centres, said that they had been monitoring attendance for the past two years and noticed a drop in people using the South Anston surgery.

From January to June this year, 892 patients were seen at South Anston compared to 1,526 at the new centre.

But Mr Williams said that the surgery could be modernised instead of completely closing it down.

He added: “Recently, I visited my surgery to make an appointment with the doctor for various blood test results.

“However, he was on duty and because there was no computer I had to make an appointment at North Anston instead which caused yet another visit.

“I think it’s a bit stupid that in this day in age, they can’t even get a laptop and plug it in which would save the doctors time and my time.

“Our surgery is of great value to South Anston and could still operate with a few more facilities.”

The new medical centre in North Anston has been open for three years.

A statement from Dinnington Group Practice read: “The basic level of service being provided at South Anston is considered unsafe in modern day medicine.

“The need to continually review our assets, finances and service provision to our patients is very important.

“Therefore it was considered that we should apply to NHS Rotherham to close the surgery which was discussed at a Patient Liaison Group Meeting.

“While the group regretted the need to close the surgery, they fully understood and accepted the reasons.”