Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak says he has been in touch with two operators interested in taking over a Yorkshire Dales GP practice which is facing closure.
The MP has called on NHS bosses to “redouble their efforts” to keep Reeth Medical Centre open, saying it should not close just to save money.
Current partners Dr Mike Brookes and practice manager Marie Brookes have announced their plan to retire at the end of May, prompting concerns about the future of GP services in Swaledale.
The NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), which commissions GP services, said it was unable to find a successor and that the surgery would close, with 1,600 patients redistributed to practices in Hawes/Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond.
But Mr Sunak said one of the potential bidders was “highly credible”, with an experienced practice manager already identifying a team that included a GP partner and a salaried GP prepared to relocate to Reeth from early June.
He added that reported barriers to a takeover — such as transitional partnership arrangements and lease costs for the premises — could be overcome.
Mr Sunak has requested a meeting with ICB leaders alongside Upper Dales councillor Yvonne Peacock to press the case for keeping the surgery open.
He said: “I call on the ICB to pursue all opportunities, including this one, with a commitment to finding a solution which keeps this vital practice open and serving patients who will struggle to reach the suggested alternatives, especially in winter.
“It would be quite wrong if the ICB were to let a desire to save a relatively small amount of money on the overheads of running the Reeth practice get in the way of a solution that is in the best interests of patients.
“It is clear to me that there are parties interested in the practice. I urge the ICB to think again and to talk to people with a real desire to operate in Reeth and who have the relevant experience to make a success of it.”
Cllr Peacock backed the call, adding: “This is the solution we’ve been hoping for and the ICB now needs to step up and deliver for the people of Swaledale.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the ICB for comment.
It referred back to a previously released statement which said that despite extensive work by the ICB, no provider had been able to put forward a sustainable staffing or premises solution that would keep the practice open.
“With no sustainable option available, the GP contract will therefore be handed back at the end of May, and services at Reeth Medical Centre will come to an end,” it added.
