News


GP crisis forces servicesmerger


THE failure to recruit a GP part- ner for the surgery in Langley has led to themerger ofmore doctors’ services in the area. Back-officeduties at theOrchard


Surgery in Horseshoes Lane will be dealt with by Sutton Valence Group Practice,where its two sur- geries merged a year ago. It will allow the Langley surgery to con- tinue operating following the re- tirement of partner Dr Jackie Dennison in October after nine years at the surgery. Langley practice manager Jo


Palmer said: “There is a national recruitment problem for GPs and ultimately this could have forced the closure of the surgery. How- ever, by merging with Sutton Va- lence itwill be business as usual.” However, it does not account for


the needs of about 3,500 new pa- tients moving in to the 900-1,000 houses being built in the area. The Langley Park development in- cludesprovisionfor amodestmed-


icalpractice, but thiswill be insuffi- cient tomeet demand in the area. Service providers in Sutton Va-


lence and Langley have indicated a need for a new surgery in the next five years, providing the right site and funding can be secured. At a public meeting of residents


at Sutton Valence Village Hall re- garding the recent changes, the op- tion of using crowd-funding to finance the projectwas suggested. Dr Will Mangar, of Sutton Va-


lenceGroupPractice, said: “Ideally, itwould be along the Sutton Road corridor, and discussions with the council andCCGare takingplace.” Aspokesman for Langley Parish


said: “The surgery is exemplary andI hope themergermeans it can continue to give the same high level of service and care.” The spokesman also pledgedthe


support of the parish council, where possible, in the pursuit of a project to build a new health cen- tre for the area.


We are pleased to welcome We are proud to announce that Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag Friday 3rd May 2019


for a fabulous evening of ballroom dancing and entertainment.


We have 2 packages available: 1) A 50 minute dance workshop with Anton & Erin (beginner & intermediate


wine per person + Bed & Breakfast for £209 per person. *Minimum purchase and limited places, only 20 couples per session. Erin for £119 per person.


Both packages include a Q&A session and photo opportunity. Call 01233 218411


to secure your place today. final balance is to be paid 4 weeks prior to the event date (5th April 2019) Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UX 10 Maidstone Weald March 2019 Pupils’ final frontier


IT’S school Jim, but not aswe knowit. Youngsters at Loose Primary have boldly gone the extra mile and ditched their uniforms for something a littlemore out of this world. Pupils from Tanzanite and Aquamarine classes reached for the stars


when theymade their own space costumes and paraded themaround the classroom. Homemade “extra-terrestrial” cupcakes and “rocket” biscuits also made an appearance on February 15.


downsmail.co.uk


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