Councillors have called on NHS leaders to intervene over proposals to close a village GP surgery, warning that patients without cars could struggle to reach alternative sites.
Village Health Group is consulting patients about the possible closure of its Sutton Bonington branch surgery, on Orchard Close.
The healthcare provider said no decision had been made and patients’ views would be considered before any final decision was taken.
It said the building was in “significant disrepair” and would require substantial investment to bring it up to modern healthcare standards.
Village Health Group also cited the branch’s limited opening hours, comparatively low patient activity, high operating costs and structural limitations.
It said most patients registered at Sutton Bonington already chose to attend appointments at its other sites.
If the closure goes ahead, patients would remain registered with Village Health Group and could book appointments at its remaining surgeries.
The group said it had reviewed capacity and was confident that its other sites could accommodate people currently attending the Sutton Bonington branch.
However, Nottinghamshire county councillor Andy Brown and Rushcliffe borough councillor Matt Barney have written to NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board asking it to help prevent the closure.
They said alternative appointments would be offered in Kegworth or East Leake, but there was no direct bus service connecting Sutton Bonington with either village.
The councillors warned this could create particular difficulties for older or vulnerable residents and people without access to a car.
Councillor Brown, who represents Leake and Ruddington on Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The proposed closure of Sutton Bonington surgery has understandably caused real concern among local residents.
“While we appreciate the pressures facing GP practices, it simply isn’t acceptable to remove a valued local service without ensuring there are genuinely accessible alternatives.
“For many people, particularly older residents and those without access to a car, travelling to Kegworth or East Leake is not straightforward.
“The fact there is no direct bus service to either location makes this proposal even more worrying. Access to healthcare should never depend on whether someone owns a car.”
In their letter, the two councillors said they did not believe closing the surgery without ensuring genuinely accessible alternatives would be in the community’s best interests.
They wrote: “The loss of a local surgery risks leaving some of the most vulnerable members of our community facing significant barriers to receiving the healthcare they need.”
They asked the ICB to work with Village Health Group to find a way for GP services to continue in Sutton Bonington and avoid the permanent loss of the facility.
The councillors have also requested a meeting with representatives of the ICB to discuss the reasons for the proposal and possible alternatives to closure.
Councillor Barney, who represents Soar Valley on Rushcliffe Borough Council, said he shared residents’ concerns and believed every effort should be made to retain GP provision in the village.
Residents are being encouraged to submit their views here as part of Village Health Group’s consultation.
