GP surgery could move into visitor centre
GoogleA Lake District village's GP surgery could move into the local visitor information centre as its current home is deemed no longer fit for purpose.
Coniston, in Cumbria, had been trying to attract a new doctor for more than a year and on Thursday it was announced services had been saved by an agreement with a neighbouring practice.
The local health trust said appointments would continue at Wraysdale House until alternative premises could be found.
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), which runs the visitor centre on Ruskin Avenue, has confirmed talks are being held over a switch.
Wraysdale House has been used as a surgery for many years, but the property is not owned by the NHS and adjoins a home.
Its main entrance is via steps with disabled access at the back of the property.
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board previously said "it does not meet the requirements we would prefer to use for modern healthcare settings".
A spokesperson said LDNPA said the organisation was "considering allowing use" of the information centre "with the support of, and at the request of, the local community".
"Discussions remain ongoing and no decisions have been taken," they explained.
"We will continue to share information as appropriate with our information centre staff and volunteers."
It is unclear whether visitor services would be moved elsewhere, with two members of staff and about 10 volunteers potentially affected.
'Balancing needs'
Tracy Coward, vice-chair of Coniston Parish Council, described the facility as important, but added the way visitors find information had changed in recent years with many making use of websites and apps.
"We do value the visitor centre and I'd like to see some provision in the village as people like a physical presence," she said.
"Ultimately, it's about balancing the needs of the community."
Dr Katharina Frey and Dr Ahmed Abbas, who ran Coniston Medical Practice at Wraysdale House, announced they would hand back their contract to the NHS from last summer.
The practice said this was due to Frey's retirement and it being unable to recruit a new partner.
Patients warned they would face an hour's round-trip by car to the nearest full-time surgery in Ulverston if no replacement was found.
The parish council teamed up with residents and local film-makers to create an ad campaign, but no applicants came forward to fill the vancancy permanently.
The service has been temporarily maintained by Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative.
Following negotiations with local service provider Cumbria Health Limited, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board say a branch site of Central Lakes Medical Group will open on 1 July.
It is expected to operate three days a week, with other sites in Hawkshead and Ambleside also open to patients.
On 30 June, all patients of Coniston Medical Practice will move to Central Lakes Medical Practice or their nearest practice.
