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Pensioner fears for his GP surgery of 70 years
Evening Standard 12 Jun 2008
Retired lecturer Alan Rogers, from Southall, has been going to the same GP surgery since he was nine years old.
He is worried the Mansell Road surgery in Greenford will move into a polyclinic, forcing him to travel further to see doctors he does not know, and is supporting a campaign to save it.
Mr Rogers, 79, said: "When I heard they had a petition to save it I signed it straight away.
"I remember when the practice opened in a single house with a single doctor who used to cycle around to see patients in houses nearby. I saw it grow and take over the house next door and become a terrific surgery with three doctors, two nurses, a manager and a maternity expert.
"The doctors cared for my wife during both of her pregnancies and our two children were both treated there.
"It would be such a tragedy if they closed it down. It feels like we are all pals together there and I know them well.
"I have used the practice for the last 70 years but how do I know I will be able to see a nurse who knows me if I go to a polyclinic?
"I am very concerned because older people do not want to have to travel further to see a doctor. I already drive for a mile to get there. I want to keep seeing my local GP.
"I also want to know how much it will cost to make the changes - can the extra money be spent on this practice instead?"
