PATIENTS of Dodington surgery in Whitchurch have been reassured that more staff will be hired for the town's other GP surgeries ahead of a merger with Ellesmere-based Churchmere.

As Dodington surgery is set to close its doors at the end of March, new clinical staff members are currently being recruited at the remaining GP surgeries say health bosses at NHS Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

Amid a recruitment process, patients in Whitchurch are being reassured that measures are in place to ensure a smooth transition to Churchmere once Dodington Surgery closes.

From April 1, patients will be able to choose to attend either of the general practice sites at Bridgewater or Claypit Street.

Dr Julian Povey, joint chairman of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCGs, said patients 'need not worry' about disruptions to service.

"We understand that patients may be feeling concerned about the transition from Dodington to Churchmere," said Dr Povey.

"Plans are in place to continue services uninterrupted and the recruitment of new clinical members of staff means patients need not worry.

"If anyone requires further reassurance or assistance, please feel free to contact the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 0320897 or email SHRCCG.CustomerCare@nhs.net"

Patients will be automatically transferred from the Dodington patient list to Churchmere Medical Group. A letter has been sent to all patient households to explain the changes.

One patient of Dodington surgery, who wished to remain anonymous, had expressed concerns about the merger and whether the existing GP surgeries could handle the influx of new patients.

"I recently moved to Whitchurch to be near to my surgery only to find out it's being closed down," they said. "It holds the records of half the people of Whitchurch.

"Ellesmere surgery is the nearest. It's over 12 miles there and 12 back. It's just a small village, it's only a small surgery by comparison.

"I'm surprised the NHS has decided to do this without having the facilities to do it, it's been chaotic.

"I don't even know if Ellesmere will take me, I can imagine it's not capable of handling 5,000 people."