Merton GP to close after its only doctor resigns

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A GP surgery which received a “high level of complaints” will close next month after its only doctor handed in their resignation.

The Rowans Surgery in Windermere Road, Merton, is expected to close for good on October 31 after health bosses said the building was unsafe and it has been difficult to hire clinical staff.

Its 5,000 patients will now be moved to other surgeries in the area.

At a Merton council meeting yesterday, councillors expressed their disappointment with the decision and asked why nothing was done sooner as the problems have been evident for more than 20 years.

The local NHS has promised a new health facility in the east of the borough but some are sceptical it will ever be built.

Mark Creelman, NHS South West London executive director, said the contract with the current provider comes to an end on October 31 and cannot be extended after the lead clinical GP handed in their notice.

He said: “[This leaves] the practice with no leadership, no clinical supervision that is actually leading to an unsafe service. In terms of the current Rowans, the premises are not fit for purpose and indeed are not safe anymore.

“This current provider is unable to recruit any staff that are substantial and staying in the practice. Over the last five years, we have had four different providers try and make Rowans work. At the same time, we have had a dwindling patient list.”

A final decision on the closure of the surgery is set to be made at the end of September.

Pictured top: Rowans Surgery in Windermere Road, Merton (Picture: Google Maps)