A SHORTAGE of doctors caused by GPs leaving is putting a severe strain on running the Milverton Surgery.

But Peter Berman, chairman of Lister House Patients Group, said: “No decision has been made to close Milverton, nor can it be made without the consent of NHS England.”

In a statement issued yesterday to the WWN, he said: “We are sad to lose such well respected and admired GPs.

“However, we have been aware for some time of real difficulties in recruiting new GPs, even in such a lovely area to work as Somerset.

“As a Patients Group, we were consulted about the proposals. Since we were faced with the possibility of the Practice closing altogether or being taken over by a private company, then an agreement with the NHS Trust seems by far the best option. Representatives of the Trust have already attended two meetings of the Patients Group and wish to involve us fully in developments.

“This will naturally include any proposals regarding the Milverton branch but we understand that no closure can take place without the consent of NHS England. They would wish to ensure that full consultation with local people has taken place and that a case for closure has been made out.”

A joint statement from Drs Sarah Phillips, Mike Rostron, Steffi Bridgman and John Trepess, who will all have left by the end of this month, said: “With regards to Milverton Surgery, the partners offered to sell the building to Somerset Partnership but the offer was declined. The partners are therefore renting the building to them from August 1.

“The building is not currently being marketed for sale. A service will continue to be provided from the premises until a decision has been made by Somerset Partnership and NHS England about the long-term viability of Milverton branch surgery.”

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust medical director Dr Andrew Dayani said: “This means primary care services are protected for the local area.

“Being part of a larger organisation will also give patients access to a broader range of services as Somerset Partnership plans to offer some health clinics at the GP England, the GP Practice staff and patients to make sure this change is as smooth as possible.”