A proposal to reopen a general practice on Caldercruix Main Street has been put forward by NHS Lanarkshire, potentially restoring a service that shut its doors in 2014.
What is being proposed
The plan would see a new surgery re-established in Caldercruix to provide bookable appointments, with clinical services to be delivered by the Centenary Surgery. The move aims to improve access to primary care for people living in Caldercruix and nearby Plains.
Why local views matter
NHS Lanarkshire says it is carrying out an engagement exercise to measure local support before any final decision is made. Officials want feedback from residents, patients, community groups, healthcare staff and other interested parties. Results will be summarised in a report that will inform the health board's decision.
“This is only a proposal, however, we would like to gauge how local people feel about it and the survey will help us capture this,” said NHS Lanarkshire primary care manager Alistair Mackintosh.
Background and local context
The previous practice in Caldercruix was closed in 2014 despite almost 200 villagers signing a petition at the time asking for it to remain open. Since then, residents have had to rely on neighbouring surgeries and other primary care arrangements. The new proposal is presented as a way to address any remaining gaps in access to GP appointments in the area.
- Location: Caldercruix Main Street
- Serving: Caldercruix and Plains residents
- Provider (proposed): Centenary Surgery
- Previous closure: 2014 (around 200 people petitioned to keep it)
How to have your say
NHS Lanarkshire has made an online questionnaire available as part of the engagement process. Respondents can indicate whether they consider local GP access adequate or whether there are deficiencies that reopening a surgery might address. The consultation findings will be brought together in an analysis report for consideration by the health board.
For residents of Caldercruix and Plains this is an opportunity to influence whether a neighbourhood GP facility returns after more than a decade. The health board will weigh those responses alongside other factors before reaching a final decision.
