HOLSWORTHY Doctors, who operate the town’s medical centre, have taken over the running of Stratton Medical Centre, forming the new ‘Ruby Country Medical Group’.

The Post previously reported that Holsworthy Doctors reached an agreement to take over the Stratton contract from the start of this month. It is after the partners of the Stratton centre decided to hand their contract back.

The NHS then approached Holsworthy to see if they were able to take on the running of the practice.

Patients locally have taken to social media to raise their concerns about the takeover, but Holsworthy Medical Centre practice manager Jane Wells assured: “This is a good thing for Stratton and Holsworthy. We felt we knew the population and the challenges faced by the patients in Bude and Stratton being their neighbours. We know what the needs are.

“I think it secures the future of Stratton and Holsworthy. Within the NHS there is a drive to make bigger practices, looking at a target of 30,000 patients. This development takes us to 22,000 patients.” Holsworthy has 11,400 patients, while Stratton has 10,800.

Ms Wells added: “We are heading towards what NHS England would like us to have.”

Asked what Stratton patients will notice now the new Ruby Country Medical Group has formed, Ms Wells said: “The patients will notice some new doctors’ faces around. We have also launched an on the day team, which we already operate in Holsworthy to improve emergency access. The home visiting service run by specialist paramedics will continue. We are also looking to introduce some pharmacist input so patients will have more options.

“All patients will have a nominated GP who will look after them. They will be able to book appointments in advance with their nominated doctor,” and emergency appointments will be able to be booked on the day.

There are currently two GP vacancies, after the resignation of two doctors. There is a new GP starting in July, and the Ruby Country Medical Group is in discussion with another two GPs. It has recruited a nurse practitioner and minor illness nurse, and Ms Wells said: “We have provided cover for all of the patients. There are GP appointments available for both routine and emergency, we are recruiting more GPs and associated healthcare professionals to improve access for patients.”