CONSULTATION on whether to close a GP surgery in Milverton began on Monday (July 17).

It comes against a backdrop of challenges facing GP surgeries in West Somerset, as well as nationally, with practices developing “innovative” ways of working to ensure they can provide all patient services.

“We have been very clear from the start that Milverton Surgery’s future needs to be discussed with the local population,” said Victoria Eld, head of communications at Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

In August last year, Lister House Surgery, which includes surgeries in both Milverton and Wiveliscombe, became the first in the area to be taken over by the trust, a leading provider of community based health and social care services.

It had been approached by the GP practice which previously ran the surgery, after they were unable to recruit new doctors due to a national shortage.

Milverton surgery is now rented by the trust, but the former practice partners, who own it, want to sell the building.

“We are not in the business of buying property. We need to spend our funds on patient care,” said Ms Eld.

“There is a GP shortage and, given these challenges, we need to think about the future of Milverton.

“We are encouraging the local population to have their say and tell us their views about the future of the surgery.

“Surveys and consultation documents will be available at the surgeries and to read and complete online,” she said.

The consultation runs until September 4.

There will also be a public meeting on Wednesday August 2 at 7pm in the Victoria Rooms, Milverton.