I ATTENDED the CCG meeting convened to listen to a small number of patient’s concerns (about Romney House Surgery in Tetbury).

There were some serious and devastating matters brought to light which Becky Parish from the CCG will be taking back and investigating. 

Due to the seriousness of the matters this will now be a joint NHS England investigation.

There has been some criticism of what some people perceive as an negative anti-surgery campaign. 

Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact the original petition was to show appreciation and support of one of the loved and respected GPs working there and indeed many other doctors/staff.

No one is anti the surgery however it is blatantly obvious there are some concerns and as such should be addressed and listened to in the correct manner.

That is exactly what is happening now; Becky Parish is anxious to hear from patients and former employees to get back to her on everything, whether it be good or bad, to complete a well-rounded and balanced investigation.

Becky said that so many people uniting in coming together with concerns was a first. 

She also reassured everyone that there would be no recriminations or people being excluded from any surgery list for raising concerns, as everything will be treated confidentially.

People felt the meeting was positive and the mechanism is now in place for concerns or complaints to be taken forward. 

There was also much respect and admiration for many of the doctors and staff at the surgery. 

We’re all aware that you can’t please all of the people all of the time but when matters are of a life or death situation, often quite literally, it is responsible and imperative that any concerns are brought forward and I am sure that any organisation would welcome any constructive criticism so that the service offered maintains its excellence.

Please don’t forget it was Dr Hardie and the people of Tetbury who questioned the decision to close to Tetbury Hospital many years ago, and all fought that and won.

I am proud of my town because it is its people, its people who dare to question and ask for excellence.

Whatever the outcome of the investigation we will always have some good doctors to see and take care in Tetbury.

KEVIN PAINTER
Tetbury