PATIENTS concerned about the future of a Chippenham surgery can quiz health chief Barbara Smith at a special meeting on May 28.
Many patients at the Marshfield Road Surgery fear they could lose the services of GP Barney Williams after the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) threatened to withdraw his NHS contract over a dispute about out-of-hours care.
Dr Williams' contract with the NHS came under threat when he stopped providing out-of-hours cover in October, because he felt unable to provide his patients with care of an adequate standard.
He said: "If I were to lose my job in two weeks' time and close down, it would not damage my financial situation I would just have more free time.
"But I didn't train for years and years to be a doctor without wanting to be one. I feel responsible for my patients and staff."
Patients have been campaigning to keep the surgery going in the face of this and other problems.
A funding cut of £11,000 has resulted in cutbacks in the service provided including a second doctor and NHS osteopath services.
The PCT has refused to comment on the situation with Dr Williams because it is a contractual dispute.
The meeting with Mrs Smith, organised by the Friends of Marshfield Road Surgery, will be held at St Paul's church hall in Chippenham from 7.30pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article