MORE GPs are set to be recruited in Wellington – after one surgery announced it was closing down.

Last week, the Luson Surgery announced it was set to close in September amid a number of problems, including staff recruitment and retention.

The move means patients will be transferred to the roll at nearby Wellington Medical Centre.

On Monday (August 4), a meeting of Wellington Town Council discussed the matter, with a number of residents attending to voice their dismay at the decision.

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Among those at the meeting was MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington), who said he had received assurances over GP number going forward.

He said after the meeting: “The numbers attending showed the real concern about vulnerable people and how they will cope with the move to a new GP practice.

“I was glad to be able to report on the assurances I have asked for, and been given, that more GPs will indeed be recruited.

“I have also written to the Secretary of State to raise the need for more GPs in Wellington.

“A powerful case to reopen the pharmacy at Wellington Medical Centre was made and I will be taking that up with NHS Somerset, along with the need for more GPs and surgery facilities given the housing growth the government is requiring the town to accommodate.

“It is unacceptable that Wellington is being asked to expand in this way without the proper infrastructure being provided.”

Announcing the planned closure, a Luson Surgery spokesperson said: “We do not want patients to worry. Arrangements have been put in place for patients registered at Luson Surgery to be automatically transferred – following our closure on Friday, September 26 – to Wellington Medical Centre, a couple of minutes away, on Monday, September 29.

“Patients will not need to do anything.”