'Devastating news': Plans revealed to close Renfrewshire GP surgery
Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has confirmed that a consultation on the future of the site is ongoing and will run until July 25.
It comes after The New Surgery, which has branches in Kilmacolm and Langbank, requested to close the Renfrewshire-based service.
The surgery recently sent a letter to patients, advising them that it had reached the "hard decision" to close the branch.
Councillor James MacLaren has slammed the plans, insisting the move is a "hammer blow" to local patients.
The Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank representative also called the consultation on the proposal a mere "tick-box exercise".
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He said: "The planned closure of the local GP surgery is devastating news for the people of Langbank.
"It is a real hammer blow for villagers and is another shocking example of how they are continuing to lose access to vital local services on their own doorstep.
"While the surgery has put this out to consultation, I fear this will be a mere tick-box exercise and the decision has already been made.
"After already operating under reduced hours, the savage cuts from the SNP government in Edinburgh to primary care budgets are having a huge effect on local GP provision in places like Langbank.
"I strongly oppose any plans to close Langbank's surgery permanently and would encourage everyone living locally to make their voices heard in the consultation.
"They should not be ignored and I hope that this decision will be reversed.'
A spokesperson for Inverclyde HSCP said: "We note the request by The New Surgery to close the Langbank branch surgery.
"This request has led to a consultation process with patients and other interested parties.
"The consultation will end on July 25 after which a decision will be made by Inverclyde HSCP."
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