THIS week is the last chance for former patients to have their say on the closure of Victoria Park Medical Centre.

The Bridgwater surgery closed earlier this year due to staffing shortages.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) made the decision to close the GP surgery, located in Victoria Park Community Centre, on August 11 2021.

READ MORE: Victoria Park Medical Centre in Bridgwater to close

Somerset CCG hosted a series of drop-in engagement events last week (October 11, 12 and 13), so former patients and residents could have their say on the closure.

But if you didn't get the chance to attend, there is an online survey to complete.

There are also paper copies of the survey at Victoria Park Community Centre and Jhoots Pharmacy, or if you cannot access these, then you can email somccg.engagement@nhs.net or call 0800 0851 067.

The survey will close on Thursday (October 21).

READ MORE: Consultation over GP services after controversial Bridgwater surgery closure

A spokesperson from Somerset CCG said “Following the very difficult decision to close Victoria Park Medical Centre in August this year, we have been committed to listen to and hear from people about their current experiences.

"This is important so we can understand people’s experiences of accessing GP services since the closure as well as finding out what healthcare services are needed in the area and why.

“While we held three drop-in engagement events last week to have these conversations with former patients and the local community, there is still an opportunity for people to get involved and have their say.”

Cllr Mick Lerry, chair of the board at Victoria Park Community Centre, has been attending the engagement events.

He said many residents are 'concerned' about the loss of the GP service.

"Many residents now have to travel a distance to obtain a face to face appointment with their new doctor, or to access other healthcare services," he said.

"I have been working with the lead GP for the local Primary Care Network and the Somerset CCG, regarding the reopening of public healthcare services for the short term and this appears to be a viable option.

"In the longer term I will campaign for a doctors’ surgery, which could be an outreach service from other medical centres in Bridgwater.

"The position at Victoria Park is further aggravated by the fact that there is a real shortage of doctors and other medical centres in Bridgwater are searching for locum doctors.

"The community need sustainable access to medical care, which is accessible.

"This will also be important for the pharmacy as well and the local pharmacy manager, who recognises the need for a local GP service.

"I will continue to work with the CCG to make sure that there is a primary healthcare service at Victoria Park Community Centre and I believe that Bridgwater Town Council will work to improve public healthcare for the local community.”