ICB pressed by Care Minister on the future of Sherston's Tolsey Surgery
Care Minister demands clarity on plans for a new surgery before lease expiry
Stephen Kinnock, the Minister of State for Care, has urged the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide detailed plans about the future of Tolsey Surgery in Sherston.
The surgery, which serves up to 3,500 patients, faces uncertainty as the current lease will expire in November 2027.
Kinnock's letter to the ICB, backed by Dr Roz Savage MP and Wiltshire Councillor Martin Smith, seeks assurances that a replacement surgery will be ready before the lease ends.
Minister's Four Key Questions
In his communication, Stephen Kinnock raised four critical questions to the ICB.
He asks if they will collaborate with Wiltshire Council to ensure a new surgery is operational by the lease expiry date in November 2027.
Kinnock also seeks information on what contingency measures will be implemented if the new build is delayed, what funding is secured for completing the project, and how progress will be communicated to Sherston Parish Council and the broader community.
A written response is required by 1st July 2026.
Impact on Sherston Residents
The Tolsey Surgery is crucial for patients in Sherston and nearby villages.
According to the ICB, neighbouring practices like the Primary Care Centre in Malmesbury cannot accommodate the surgery's patients.
This gap in local healthcare provision, exacerbated by poor public transport links to Malmesbury, Tetbury and Chippenham, poses serious access issues for elderly residents and those with long-term conditions.
Campaign in Action
Dr Roz Savage MP, who has been actively campaigning for clarity, expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
"This is real progress," Roz said. "For months, Sherston residents have been asking the same reasonable questions - will there be a surgery here, will it be ready in time, and what happens if it isn't?"
Roz also acknowledged the community's involvement, "I want to thank everyone in Sherston who signed the petition, attended meetings, and kept up the pressure. This is their win. But we are not done yet - I will be watching carefully for the ICB's response and will hold them to account on every one of those commitments."