The return of the former West Street GP surgery (Medina Healthcare) to Newport has been backed by a trio of Isle of Wight Councillors. The former Newport surgery moved to Wootton Bridge in 2020 as its West Street premises were considered unsuitable during the COVID-19 pandemic, with is recently announced – in March 2024 – that the Wootton premises require major building works and are making firm plans to move to the Riverway business park in Newport. The practice management will also be transferred to the Solent NHS Trust based in Southampton, with the 4 practice GPs becoming salaried rather than fund-holders. Following the announcement of the planned move back in March, many residents of Wootton and nearby expressed their disgust. Councillor Martin Oliver (Mountjoy & Shide) pointed out that,
“The move 4 years ago was made without any consultation with Newport residents. However, it hasn’t been that unpopular as there was free parking and regular buses from Newport. If that were to be replicated in Newport then I would have little objection.”
Councillor Matthew Price (Fairlee & Whippingham) said,
“Riverway isn’t ideal, but it will have plenty of free parking, is walkable from the town centre by those that are mobile and there is a limited bus service. If we can see the bus service improved and ensure safe pedestrian routes – particularly across Hunnycross Way by Lidl – then the location is reasonable and I would support it. I am also sure that a satellite surgery could be retained in Wootton if there was a will. “
Cllr Geoff Brodie (Pan & Barton) said,
“Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council currently funds the very limited No. 39 bus service that only runs 5 times per weekday to Riverway, arriving 10.20-14.20 Monday-Friday. There is no funding from the bus company and currently nothing is proposed by Solent NHS Trust to help improve the service as part of their plans to move, even though patients will have appointments anytime 8.00-18.30 Monday-Saturday. “The Community Council’s funding has been contentious within our budget in recent years and I would certainly like to think that some Trust support might ensure its continuance.”
The proposed move will be discussed at the next meeting of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council on Monday 13th May, which all 3 councillors will attend.
The number 39 bus needs to run at least one hour later – to also serve – Mountbatten Hospice, Vecta House Care home and Summerfields Primary School. The last route is leaves Newport Bus Station at 13.38 and arrives back at 2pm. which is not useful if visiting patients, working or collecting children from the school.
Later service please.
What the so called councillors have failed to grasp is that the Newport surgery didn’t move to Wootton it merged with the surgery that was already in Wootton. So now instead of having 2 surgeries we are going to be left with one in a location that is totally unsuitable for anyone using public transport.
Actually, it didn’t merge with the Wootton surgery. West Street and Wootton were both part of Medina Healthcare sharing doctors and nurses. Since 2020 there has only been one surgery to see patients, not two as you say. And I’d challenge the phrase ‘totally unsuitable’ about the bus service. I tried it myself the other week and it was fine. Yes, admittedly it’s not ideal but we are told talks will take place between now and next year when the move is planned
“has been backed by a trio of Isle of Wight Councillors”
well if you read the councillors’ comments as published above, they only seem to be in approval, IF there is improvement to bus services… which to me seems more like NOT backing it, unless changes are made.
Martin Oliver – “If that were to be replicated in Newport then I would have little objection”
Matthew Price – “Riverway isn’t ideal,… If we can see the bus service improved and ensure safe pedestrian routes – – then the location is reasonable”
Geoff Brodie – ” very limited No. 39 bus service… There is no funding from the bus company and currently nothing is proposed by Solent NHS Trust to help”
none of that sounds like ‘backing’ the change!
If you’re in Newport and find it really difficult to get to the new surgery, you have the option of an alternative. Patients in Wootton and surrounds would not have a local alternative.