Meanwood surgery to become latest in Leeds to close down

Green Road Surgery will close at the end of March after permission to shut it down was granted by NHS bosses.

Its parent practice, The Avenue Surgery in Alwoodley, applied to close its Meanwood branch, saying there had been a reduction in the number patients using it.

NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) Partnership said there was sufficient capacity for patients to re-register with neighbouring GP practices.

A CCG spokesman added: “We have also been presented with a clear plan by The Avenue Surgery about how they will work with their most vulnerable patients, such as housebound people or those requiring end of life care, to ensure continuity of care and support.”

Villagers in Swillington have also voiced concerns that their doctor’s surgery could close.

A decision is due on the future of Swillington Health Practice, along with New Cross Surgery in Rothwell and Middleton Park Surgery.

A public consultation was extended until January 24 after 120 people attended a public meeting in the village on January 6.

Garforth and Swillington councillor Mark Dobson said: “People in Swillington are saying loud and clear that they want the surgery to stay open.

“In a village of 3,500 people you need basic services like a GP.

“Swillington has got very poor transport links. We are encouraging everybody to take part in that consultation.”

Five GP practices in Leeds have closed since 2013, and a further eight have merged to create four new practices.

Latest figures show 37 practices have merged or closed in Yorkshire and Humber in the last 18 months.

Around England, 280 closed or merged in that period, according to figures released by NHS Digital.