The future of a South Cumbrian GP surgery has been secured after a new permanent provider has been found.
No GP could be found to take on the Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice, based at Windermere Health Centre at Goodly Dale, after previous contract holder OneMedical Group gave notice that it would not continue.
In February, it was announced that Cumbria Health on Call would be given a six-month ‘caretaker’ contract by Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group.
Today, it has been announced that the not-for-profit organisation has been awarded a permanent contract.
Kate Hudson, head of primary care at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’re really pleased that a new provider has been found and we would also like to thank the patients at Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice for their patience with the process of finding a new provider, as well as their input into, and engagement with, the work which has now been brought to a successful conclusion.”
Patients will shortly receive a letter from Morecambe Bay CCG confirming the new provider.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, warmly welcomed the news.
He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon that Cumbria Health on Call have been awarded a permanent contract for running Windermere’s Goodly Dale GP surgery.
“From the regular conversations I’ve been having with CHOC, I know how hard their team has been working to provide first-class care for local patients.
“There had been some pressure on the CCG to close the surgery and disperse the patients lists to other surgeries in the South Lakes, so I’m really grateful that they’ve listened to local residents, local councillors and myself and have secured the future of Goodly Dale.”
