THE long-term future of healthcare in North Tawton has been secured after NHS England has announced the town’s medical practice is to officially become a branch surgery of Bow Medical Practice from April 1, 2016.

This means that current arrangements will be formalised in a long-term contract, with Bow’s practice having been providing services in North Tawton on a temporary basis since April 2015.

The contract was shaped by local people, who were asked to complete a survey last summer about issues such as opening hours, access and the range of services they needed.

A North Tawton Engagement Group was also set up to focus local views. Members played a central role in the procurement process, analysing returns and informing decisions.

Caroline Stead, NHS England Contract Manager, who led work on the procurement, said: ‘It’s been really rewarding to reach such a positive outcome in partnership with people in and around North Tawton. Nobody wanted them to be in a position where the nearest surgery was in Okehampton, seven miles away and with limited public transport to get there.

‘The positive energy of the engagement group in particular has been channelled into getting the right provider in place to serve the community for the long-term. Everyone I have spoken to seems to think that Bow was that right provider, especially given the work they have done since April.’

Michelle Freeburn, managing partner of Bow Medical Practice, said: ‘We are delighted that our tender application has been successful. Procurement is an objective process, so we’re glad to have shown we can meet all the technical standards required for good primary care. We look forward to building long-term relationships with patients and to becoming a real part of the community.’

Patients will be contacted in the New Year with information about the full range of services and access arrangements.