Sutton councillor shocked by Priors Field surgery closure

Cllr Mark Inskip, who also represents Sutton at district council level, was bewildered to find out that the village’s Priors Field Surgery is due to close.

The announcement to close the surgery, part of Fenland Group Practice [FGP], was made on the FGP website on February 23. 

“I think it’s a huge shock; access to the NHS through your GP is fundamental,” said Cllr Inskip. 

Both Cllr Inskip and fellow district and county councillor Lorna Dupre say they were given no prior warning by FGP to the news. 

In a statement by FGP, it said GP partners “who currently hold a contract to deliver services at Priors Field Surgery are taking retirement from the practice and have served notice to terminate their contract. 

“As a result, we regret to inform you that Priors Field Surgery will close when this contract ends on March 31, 2023.” 

Cllr Mark Inskip hopes to have a public meeting with Health Secretary Steve Barclay MP and a representative of Priors Field Surgery to discuss its possible closure. (Image: Cllr Mark Inskip)

FGP said patients will receive a letter confirming which GP practice they have been transferred to. 

Around 6,000 patients in Sutton, Mepal and Witcham are served by Priors Field Surgery. 

A petition set up by Cllr Dupre to save the surgery from closure has secured more than 1,600 signatures. 

Cllr Inskip is hoping a public meeting with Health Secretary Steve Barclay MP and NHS England can be held to explain the situation. 

“A lot of people in Sutton have not got cars and rely on walking to the surgery,” Cllr Inskip added. 

“Many people feel the same way about the news that we could be on the verge of losing it.” 

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, responsible for planning and delivering health and care services in the county, has been approached for comment.