NEW DOCTORS' SURGERY OPENS

After a long campaign to open a GPs surgery in Lemington, a service has begun in the Lemington Centre.

The surgery is being staffed by doctors from existing surgeries in Newburn and Throckley and operates on an appointment basis.

Patients of these practices, who live in Lemington, have been sent information direct from their surgery about the service.

The service began earlier this month and has happened because of a hard-fought campaign from local people, local pharmacies and the Lib Dem team which collected over 1,000 signatures.

The petition was presented to Newcastle Primary Care Trust to show strength of public feeling in Lemington.

Councillor Joanne Park says: "While our campaign was for a completely new GP surgery, this provision will really improve people's lives.

"We welcome this development because it will help people who are patients of the Newburn and Throckley surgeries to access their doctor locally."

Newcastle MEP Fiona Hall, who supported the campaign, adds: "We are continuing to explore ways of improving health care in Lemington for all residents."