Town surgeries decide to merge after doctor retires

The move will see Park View Surgery, on Castleford Road, re-locate its services to Queen Street Surgery.

A letter sent out to patients said the move followed the retirement of Dr Paul Dewhirst from Queen Street surgery on April 1.

It said Queen Street would remain open and all existing staff would be retained, but “Park View Surgery will gradually re-locate to Queen Street over the next 12 months”.

The letter, sent to Queen Street patients, said: “A core group of experienced GPs will look after you. No locums will be used.

“Access to specialist GPs and more nurses will be allocated to Queen Street. Access to appointments and telephone consultations will be increased.”

The decision to merge followed discussions with the GPs who owned Park View and Ferrybridge Medical Centre.

The letter added: “Changes in funding and requirements made on practices by increased regulation mean that very small practices can no longer continue on their own.”