Sherston secures commitment for funding decision on GP surgery
Campaign aims to protect healthcare for 3,000 residents
The Minister for Care has set a deadline for Wiltshire's Integrated Care Board to confirm funding and alternative provision, if required, for a new GP surgery in Sherston.
The move has come after Stephen Kinnock met with South Cotswolds Dr Roz Savage MP as she campaigns to secure healthcare for approximately 3,000 patients in the Wiltshire.
The current surgery's lease is set to expire in November 2027, with the retiring GP owning the premises and no replacement facility currently planned.
Limited public transport in Sherston complicates access to alternative care, raising concerns over local residents potentially losing primary health services.
On 29th April, Dr Savage met with Minister Stephen Kinnock to discuss the urgent need for action.
She urged him to push for confirmation of funding for running costs and to formulate contingency plans in the event a new facility isn’t ready by the lease expiry.
The Minister agreed to advocate on this front, setting a deadline of 1st July 2026 for the Integrated Care Board to clarify their plans.
Dr Savage expressed relief, saying: "This is a real step forward for Sherston, and a huge relief. It has taken two years of persistent campaigning to get us to this point."
She acknowledged the support of Wiltshire Councillors Martin Smith and Gavin Grant, Parish Councillor Tanya Burgess, Dr Simon Watkins, and community members who signed a petition.
Their collective efforts were instrumental in gaining parliamentary attention and governmental response.
Dr Savage assumed office in July 2024 and has been committed to resolving this critical healthcare issue.
Although the Integrated Care Board has preliminarily agreed to cover running costs for a new facility, capital funding for constructing or securing a new location remains unresolved.
Sherston and the surrounding area benefit from the surgery’s service, with no nearby alternative available if it closes.
The campaign highlights the community’s determination to safeguard healthcare access despite logistical challenges.
Dr Savage affirmed her vigilance in monitoring the Integrated Care Board’s progress towards honouring their commitment, stating: "The ICB now has a clear deadline. I will be watching closely to make sure that their commitment is honoured."