A petition launched by Central Devon MP Mel Stride and Teignbridge District Councillors Terry Tume and Stephen Purser to save Pathfinder GP Surgery has been handed in to St Thomas Health Centre on Cowick Street.
The St Thomas Medical Group closed the surgery early in the pandemic on the grounds that it could not be made Covid-secure but recently wrote to local residents to advise that the temporary closure may be made permanent. This is the second time Mr Stride has intervened to try and keep the surgery open, having successfully worked with local campaigners to resist a proposed closure eleven years ago.
The petition argues that the surgery is a ‘much-valued local service’ and that it should stay open to help care for Pathfinder Village’s elderly population, particularly for those who don’t drive or find it difficult to use public transport. 164 local residents signed it.
Cllr Tume explained:
“The fantastic response we have had to the petition shows that residents are desperate not to see their GP surgery close for good. I hope that St Thomas Medical Group think long and hard before making a decision that will really impact this community.”
Mr Stride added:
“When a service is accessible it is used. I am concerned that if the surgery is closed permanently there may be residents who don’t seek the medical help they might need. Pathfinder is a special community of older residents and this facility is much needed.”
