RESIDENTS in Wylam could be forced to travel to Prudhoe to see their doctor if the town’s practice is relocated.

Consultation is ongoing about moving the Riversdale Surgery in Wylam to a branch of the practice at Oaklands Health Centre, Front Street, Prudhoe.

In a letter to patients, Drs Knapton, Miller and Donaldson Partners said the reasons for the proposed changes included the ageing premises, recent Care Quality Commission inspections which had flagged up the non-purpose-built structure of the building and lack of parking and traffic issues.

They said this would cause difficulties with recruitment in the future.

The letter said: “We see closure of our Woodcroft Road site as the only viable option to enable us to maintain the current partnership and provide safe and effective modern day general practice to all of our patients.”

Wylam parish councillors have expressed some concerns and patients can comment by email at NORCCG.riversdale@nhs.net or by completing a card in the practice by September 11.