COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has called for a thorough investigation into Tetbury’s Romney House Surgery as petitioners are calling on Parliament to resolve difficulties within the surgery.

It was alleged in November last year that senior doctor Katharina Nehrig had resigned from the GP practice over bullying.

More than 850 patients have signed a petition calling for the surgery to address any issues which may have led to the resignation of Dr Nehrig and other female doctors.

An investigation into the surgery was launched by Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (GCCG) late last year and a representative of the group met with patients on December 20.

Since this meeting, it was made known that NHS England will also be commissioning the investigation.

Now, Cotswold MP Mr Clifton-Brown has enlisted his support for a thorough investigation into the practice and those alleging bullying and incompetence at the surgery after a meeting with constituents on December 29.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Campaigners in Tetbury concerned that a doctor had been 'forced out' of the local surgery)

Mr Clifton-Brown, who has written to the General Medical Council, GCCG, NHS England, and the Secretary of State for Health, said: “It is important that this whole matter is dealt with the utmost thoroughness but calmly in order to attract new GPs to work in the Tetbury surgery and assure all residents of Tetbury that they will have a first class and well managed GP Practice for the future.”

He added that he received assurances from Dr Marion Andrew-Evans, of the governing body of the GCCG, that the investigation was being conducted independently and in accordance with NHS best practice.

GCCG and NHS England released a statement, saying: “NHS England and NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group have jointly commissioned an independent investigation following allegations about the culture within Romney House GP Surgery in Tetbury.

“Capsticks, an independent legal firm, will carry out the investigation into the concerns that have been raised.

“This process will ensure that these allegations can be properly and fairly investigated.

“The Romney House Surgery team are working hard to continue to provide a quality service for patients and we ask that patients and the public continue to support staff at this time.

“Patients are our priority and we are working closely with the practice and locality GPs to ensure that they receive timely appointments and high quality care and that the necessary support is in place.”

Copies of the petition, with 880 signatures, have also been sent to the GCCG, NHS England, the Secretary of State for Health, the General Medical Council and Mr Clifton-Brown.

A second petition, which will be presented to the House of Commons, is circulating and available for residents to sign at The Post Office, Tetbury Hardware, and Sweets and Treats.

Complaints can be submitted for the investigation via Healthwatch Gloucestershire at www.healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk/Complaints.

Alternatively, contact Becky Parish on 0300 421 1500 or becky.parish@nhs.net, or contact Alison Hesketh on 01666 505113. Information received is private and confidential, and patients can choose to comment anonymously.