Shropdoc has been named as the preferred provider of GP services for patients currently registered with Richmond House in Whitchurch.

The new GP service, which is expected to be in place for 18 months, will be located on Beech Ward at Whitchurch Community Hospital from November 1.

The new practice will be called “Claypit Street Medical Practice”.

All patients currently registered at Richmond House Surgery will receive a letter within the next couple of weeks, which will provide more detailed information about the new service and remind patients that they will not need to take any action, as they will be automatically transferred to the new service.

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire CCG said: “I appreciate this has been an unsettling time for local patients, as we have tried to secure a safe and suitable GP service for local patients. I hope Shropdoc’s status as a trusted provider, coupled with the location of the surgery which is in a convenient, central location, will go some way to addressing any concerns they may have.

“Our main focus at this time is to make sure there is a smooth handover of this service and that patients continue to receive the care they need. We look forward to working with Shropdoc to ensure that the health needs of local patients continue to be met.”

A spokesperson for Shropdoc said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to provide for the health needs of local patients.”

Shropdoc’s Chief Executive Ian Winstanley said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver a service to patients through the new Claypits Road Surgery to be based in Whitchurch Hospital.

“Our aim is to ensure that a GP service is available to the 3,800 patients currently registered at Richmond House and that local people continue to receive excellent standards of care. This will ensure continued services for patients and an opportunity to improve and expand upon whats already offered.

“We very much look forward to meeting staff and patients and will strive to deliver the best care possible for patients previously seen at Richmond Surgery

“Shropdoc has over 20 years’ worth of experience and is run by experienced GPs and staff who have an excellent understanding of the healthcare needs of patients in the area. We have lots of experience when it comes to providing quality GP services and patients can be assured that they will continue to receive the same level of support and care.”