SUCCESS FOR GP SURGERY CAMPAIGN

Two GP practices have agreed to set up a new doctor's surgery in Lemington.

Local people have been without a local GP for almost nine years following the retirement of their doctor.

More than 1,000 residents signed the Lib Dem petition to get GP services restored.

Now the Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT) has agreed to bring doctors to the Lemington Centre.

Councillor Liz Langfield has been working closely with ward colleagues, Newcastle North Parliamentary spokesman Ron Beadle and local residents to get a local GP surgery.

"The decision is certainly going in the right direction," she said.

"People in Lemington have been in short supply of a local GP for a long time and, so far it's a good outcome.

"However we will have to see how it goes within the next three to four years and assess then whether things have worked out or not.

"We need to be sure the level of provision offered does meet the needs of the local people.

"It may well be that we need to look again at the situation if things are not working out.

"We must be certain the PCT has taken on board the health needs of those living in the west of the city."

The Primary Care Trust is hopeful the new service will begin in the autumn.