A DECISION on whether Askam will continue to have its own GP will be made tomorrow.

Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group’s commissioning committee will hold a public meeting at Askam Band Hall at 10am tomorrow to discuss and decide the future of primary care services in the village.

Last year Askam Surgery’s sole GP, Dr Prakashchandra Jain, announced plans to retire in March 2020.

The announcement came after restrictions were imposed on his practise following a police investigation being launched into sexual assault allegations against him.

Since then Dr Jain, who owns the surgery in Parklands Drive, has provided a locum service - as he is required to do, but at the end of March this obligation will cease.

Health bosses now have to decide whether or not to find a new GP provider or to send patients to surgeries in Dalton and Barrow.

Documents for tomorrow reveal around 150 patients attended drop-in sessions to discuss the future of the surgery.

Many voiced concerns about transport links to neighbouring towns and the lack of an alternative pharmacy in Askam.

The documents highlight a number of possible problems with trying to procure a new GP and surgery.

Askam Surgery’s patient list of around 1,500 is falling and the CCG highlights this ‘may not be high enough to ensure the contract is sufficiently financially attractive to new providers’.

Dr Jain owns the surgery building and any new contractor would need to find new premises.

For the first two years dispersal of the list would cost around £559,267. Procurement of a new GP would cost around £576,708 but this does not include provision for premises.

Also, because of the length of time it takes to procure a new GP would take until December 2020, caretaking’ GP services would have to be provided which would cost 1.75 times more than dispersal.

The CCG praised the practice’s staff, who would be made redundant should a new practice not be secured, for their ‘commitment and dedication’.

Ben Shirley, Cumbria County Councillor for Dalton North, said: “More than 1,500 local people use this surgery. Imagine the impact and added pressure on already stretched local NHS services that would be placed on them should all of these people need to find a new GP practise.

"Furthermore, Askam and Ireleth only has one bus service a week and it takes half an hour by train to get to Dalton (where Market Street practise is of course based). Hundreds of local people have contacted me in sharing their concerns about the future of Parklands Surgery.

"My family and I use this practise. I’ve responded to the CCG’s consultation process, spoke out at the drop in sessions and I’ll be attending the meeting on Tuesday.

"I’d urge as many more local people as possible to attend the meeting tomorrow.”

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow & Furness said: “Askam surgery is much used and very much appreciated by the community. I’ve had countless letters and emails from residents who are concerned that this service could close and be lost. I’ve made representations myself to the Commissioning Committee, and also passed on residents' concerns but I’d urge anyone who uses and cares about the surgery to take this last opportunity to do the same.”