There are deep concerns on how the closure will impact patients
This GP surgery in Oakwood is to close because it is ‘no longer fit for purpose'(Image: Derbyshire Live)
The controversial closure date for a Derby GP surgery has been revealed.
Park Medical Practice recently stated its intention to close down its Oakwood branch following public consultation.
The practice has almost 30,000 patients on its register list and has other branches in Chaddesden and Borrowash.
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But the closure of its Oakwood surgery has been shrouded with controversy ever since patients were told of its uncertain future by text message earlier this year.
There are fears Oakwood residents living with mobility issues will struggle to see a doctor nearby and are likely to face longer trips to receive vital healthcare.
Councillors in the suburb along with Mid-Derbyshire MP Jonathan Davies have held talks with health bosses in attempts to keep the surgery, in Bishops Drive, open, but bosses announced its closure several weeks ago.
The practice says the building, which is more than 40-years-old, is “no longer fit for purpose” and was “not suitable for handling urgent or emergency situations”.
It said there are “very limited options” to improve access at the current location.
A letter to patients, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), has been sent this week confirming the Oakwood surgery will close on Tuesday, March 31 2026.
It says: “We understand that this news may be disappointing or concerning, and we want to reassure you that the quality of your care will not be affected by this change.
“Our top priority remains ensuring you continue to receive the highest standard of care, in facilities that are safe, accessible, and meet the needs of modern healthcare.”
Park Medical Practice previously said the closure would come with “challenges” but added its other surgeries “can be reached within a reasonable time-frame.”
The practice says it is expanding its Borrowash surgery “to offer more staff and services in modern, compliant rooms, ensuring you (patients) benefit from improved facilities and greater accessibility.”
Patients will not need to re-register to use different surgeries and housebound patients will still receive home visits as before.
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The practice issued a public apology to MP Mr Davies and councillors last month after they complained in writing over communication issues surrounding the closure. They claimed they “had not been informed of important developments” prior to patients being told of the closure.
Mr Davies claimed he and councillors were not informed of the confirmed closure before a news article was published by the LDRS.
A statement from the NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board said: “Unfortunately the practice inadvertently posted a statement on its website that confirmed the decision to close the branch before a full communication plan was in place.
“We understand the concern this has caused and we are sorry MPs and councillors were not informed in advance.”
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