Cumberland GP surgery serves the Devonport community who have the highest and often most complex healthcare needs in the city. Devonport residents die on average more than 10 years earlier than other Plymouth residents.

Although the surgery has only been open for three years, 2000 patients and counting currently use the facilities available. These include homeless residents who find accessing and trusting healthcare professionals difficult, individuals from the most deprived areas of Plymouth and ex-service men and women. All GPs who work at the surgery are well liked and respected as shown by the rapidly increasing patient list with patients choosing to come to the Cumberland surgery over other alternatives.

Despite this, NHS England are looking to close the Cumberland surgery. The Patient Participation Group feels this is not acceptable. Patients, some of which have never engaged in their own healthcare, have developed close and trustful relationships with their GPs that would be lost.

2000 patients and counting will be expected to join another surgery with many of the alternatives a significant distance away. Most patients do not have access to private transport and will rely on public transport to access these surgeries. This is likely to be difficult, stressful, time consuming and costly. The current situation therefore looks unfavourable. The most deprived residents of Plymouth face being deprived of yet another service, just in case dying 10 years younger wasn't enough!

GPs are willing to help and work with the community and the community is happy to engage with the Cumberland surgery. Why can't the NHS support his?

The PPG has started this petition to show the NHS that the Cumberland Surgery is needed, wanted and required. 

Please sign if you are in support of the PPGs aim to keep the Cumberland Surgery open for all current and future patients.

Thank you for your time,

Chair of the Friends of Cumberland Surgery