Only Bishopthorpe GP practice at risk of closure

Councillors have expressed serious concern over the impact of a possible closure of the only GP practice in Bishopthorpe.

It has been proposed that the GP surgery in Copmanthorpe will serve both Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe following the expiration of the Bishopthorpe lease in mid 2024. A planning application has been submitted by the Medical Practice to extend its premises in Horseman Lane to create 6 new clinical rooms.  The planning application states that this will allow the merger of the medical practice with the Bishopthorpe Surgery.

Significant concern, however, has been raised over these plans, which would leave residents without adequate access to a GP. There is no direct bus link between the two villages and so this would require residents walk to York College to catch the 840 Coastliner or go into York to catch the 13 if they do not have access to a car.

The practice has also been investigating locations for a potential “satellite site” in Bishopthorpe; unfortunately without success thus far.

York Lib Dems and local campaigner Chris Gammie have launched a petition asking for the decision to close the surgery to be reconsidered by the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. It can be found online at: www.yorklibdems.org.uk/bishgp

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Executive Member with responsibility for health integration, commented:

“Government mismanagement of the NHS continues to place GP under threat in York. The proposals for Bishopthorpe are extremely concerning. The requirement to travel to Copmanthorpe will leave many who don’t have access to a car without access to a GP. This week I spoke with a 90 year old resident who has no way of accessing services and feels guilty relying on friends to allow her to access basic health care .

“Whilst the Parish Council’s efforts to investigate a possible satellite site in the village are welcome, this would still lead to a significant reduction in the level of service available to local residents which.

“I will be contacting representatives of the practice and continuing discussions with the Integrated Care Board, to ensure all possible options are explored to retain access to crucial primary care for hundreds of York residents.”