Borrowash-based chain of Doctors surgeries set to close its Oakwood site as "no longer fit for purpose"

A GP surgery in Derby is set to close due to it “no longer being fit for purpose” – prompting anger and shock from councillors.

Patients of Derby’s Park Medical Practice were notified by a text message which stated there are plans to close its Oakwood surgery. The practice does have other branches in Chaddesden, Borrowash and the University of Derby.

The practice claims problems with the building include “very narrow corridors” creating access issues, access from the car park via “several steep stairs making it difficult for staff and patients with mobility issues” and the surgery experiencing “unsociable behaviour including abuse to staff and patients”.

Other issues include no ventilation and no windows in the treatment room, making the room “unpleasant” for staff. The surgery was closed during the pandemic due to “the lack of ventilation and infection control issues”.

Patients have been encouraged to email the practice with feedback over the plans but councillors have said they are “horrified” by the announcement and fear any future talks to save it may happen too late.

A decision is expected later this summer by NHS bosses. If approved, the surgery will close towards the end of the year.

The text message from the practice to patients said: “After much consideration we’re proposing to close Park Medical Practice Oakwood branch. Our Oakwood services would move to Chaddesden and Borrowash. To share your feedback email: ddicb.c81051-reception @ nhs.net.

“Alternatively you can join our June engagement events – further details can be found on our website www.parkmedical.org.uk. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

A further report from the practice about the proposed closure states: “The Oakwood site was built in the 1980s when it was a purpose-built modern surgery to serve the new housing developments in and around the Oakwood area. 

“The building is now over 40 years old, it is outdated, and it does not comply with the requirements of primary care standards in today’s world. The Park Medical Practice partners believe that the Oakwood branch surgery is no longer fit for purpose and it would require a huge financial investment to bring it up to the current standards. There has been very little investment in the building since it was built back in the 1980s.” 

But Oakwood councillors – Matthew Eyre, Jamie Mulhall and Freya Trewhella – have reacted with shock to the proposals and said the closure could have a “severe knock-on effect” for residents living in the area.

They said in a statement: “To say we are horrified is an understatement, Park Medical Practice is vital for hundreds, if not thousands, of Oakwood ward residents and the loss of this service will have a severe knock-on effect, especially for all those who do not drive and relied on a nearby practice. 

“That this comes at a time when thousands of additional houses and residents are proposed for in and around Oakwood ward makes this even worse.”

The councillors said wished they were informed before the announcement as they possibly could have supported funding or made further efforts to help avoid closure. Councillors hope to have talks with the practice leaders in due course.