CAMPAIGNERS say they hope to raise awareness of patients’ struggles at a surgery in east Swindon with a protest planned for later this month.

It follows complaints over difficulties in booking appointments and getting hold of prescriptions at Eldene Surgery. The practice is one of five in Swindon managed by trouble-hit Manchester firm Integral Medical Holdings.

Bazil Solomon, a parish councillor and heart surgery patient, has organised the event: “People and those close to them, now also have to travel from neighbouring areas for medical care."

“Residents are distressed and traumatised, from not getting appointments when needed, medication when necessary and continuity of care.

“Some have critical and complex health needs, chronic illness, terminal illness, and life-threatening illness. We have a current leadership of despair.”

The protest will take place from 11am on Thursday, November 29, outside Eldene Surgery, Collingsmead.

An event page has been posted to Facebook. For more, visit: www.facebook.com/events/215130226046598.